Unexpected Dinner Guest [Dayobi's Cast/Court]

[Jenn]

Blue as the autumn sky that had slowly begun to fade into evening's indigo, Filibai walked through the much-vaunted Onyx park under guise of a light-weight, billowing cloak. She didn't much care for the wind that tugged and rippled the edge of her concealing gray garment, but the crisp bite in the air appealed to her and felt good on her smooth hide. One set of arms kept the cloak tucked securely around her, while a third fiddled with a brilliant red gem beneath it and a fourth rubbed absently at the material hiding her tall, alien Murdon form from the prying eyes of any overly interested humans. For a Murdon she was quite short, breaking the seven foot mark by only an inch, but any human onlookers would see her as unbelievably tall.

Her shoppe above the theatre of a particularly loyal Cast provided her an excellent place to work her magic and conduct whatever experiments she wished. That Yuukuj had trusted her with such a duty gave her immense pleasure and she took care to man the store day and night, rarely leaving it for any reason, waiting to offer service to any of his children that she deemed worthy.

Tonight, however, a certain restlessness had touched on one of her minds and she felt confined in the musty and normally quite comfortable rooms of her home. She had explored a few small areas of the city in which she now found herself living, seeing a lovely fountain square and several cobbled streets. Funny creatures, humans, tainting everything with their presence and destroying the natural order of things. She could understand why her Lord despised them so. Even here, in a reputedly natural setting frequented by humans of the city, their footprints marred the view with careful landscaping and artfully, artificially patterned beds of flowers now dying with the season.

She would be more comfortable in the company of the creations, but none of them had conveniently made themselves apparent. Perverse things. Whenever she didn't want to deal with them, they were banging down her door with their requests and foolish demands. Now, when she actually felt in a mood to deal with them, there were none around.

A scent, carried on the annoying breeze, reached her and invaded her senses with its savory aroma. She could identify the distinctly separate smells of roasting meats, different animal fats rendering differently over no doubt blazing fires. Curiosity more than anything else drew her in the direction the wind was blowing from, squinting her hooded eyes in an attempt to see further.

The tantalizing smell led her past quite a few trees and into slightly deeper woods, eventually seeing what appeared to be an opening in the side of a small hill. Though it was hidden, her keen senses could detect signs of disturbance in the brush and leaves that were used to conceal it. She started walking in that direction when a mound of leaves right by the entrance erupted into movement and stood to block the door, looking at her with blank eyes that seemed to reflect the void of space.



"They're havin' a party an' I don't think you're invited, whoever ye are," he growled softly. "Besides, meat's not ready yet, else I'd barge in myself."

She regarded the Euclides in surprise, not having expected a 'sentry' of sorts, though some Puppet Masters were more paranoid than others. Obviously this was the home of more creations, and they were holding a meal. She gave the green male before her a speculative glance before sliding her cloak down over her shoulders and staring at him with an unreadable alien expression.

Even one so normally apathetic would be startled at the sudden appearance of a species he hardly believed in. He let out a whuffing breath and leaned back, almost taking a step...but no, he'd be damned if some fish-colored four-armed freak would back him down with just a look. Whether she'd meant to intimidate him or not, he bared his yellowed teeth in a slimy snarl before slinking towards the opening. His stomach was slightly more rounded than it might normally be, though of course she wouldn't know that. Perhaps he'd just finished a particularly satisfying meal. Perhaps not.

"I'm guessing ye'll want to be seein' the catbird in charge o' this mess, then," he grunted.

[Nathalia]

Dayobi made her way down the halls of her home, moving toward the back entrance. She needed to check on those Lapine triplets. They had begged her to be allowed to catch and roast a human, she had reluctantly allowed it, and had sent them out back with Atreju and Mulsej to see how it was done. She had sent Atreju and the old Torn out earlier with a stolen pig, a pile of fish, and some mixed foul.

She stepped through the somewhat empty halls. Most of her growing Cast and Court were out and about, though she expected a few others to turn up. Tiskajeko, for one... she had extended the invitation to that little bitch Katon, perhaps she'd bring her father... Jayensi had agreed to come with little 'Skae, and she hoped to see the Lapine's parents poke their heads in. She wistfully thought on the idea that Xerxes might attend... it was highly unlikely...but one day she would get him, that she knew...

Trotting out back she saw the two separate fire erected. She smiled at the greasy smell of roasting meat that hung on the air, and the sight of the carefully corralled fires. She waved to Atreju and began to meander toward the Lapines when she had her attention draw to the right, comming in from the side entrance, the one near to Mulsej's room was that damn infection...he looked odd, nervous...and fat, she thought smugly.

All of that was forgotten when she saw what it ws that rounded the corner after the Canine.

Murdon.

A Murdon.

She turned to Atreju, eyes wide, and jerked her head toward Mulsej. She knew he would understand. Mulsej would go and attend to the Lapines. The Masquerade stepped forward to greet this exceptional visitor.

"Greetings, Maskenji... What an incredible surprise you bring us." She murmured, letting herself sink into a bow, aimed toward the Murdon. "You come on a fortunate day, we are having a small banquet, you are of course, invited to attend." She saw the look on the Infection's face and resisted rolling her eyes. "Both of you, I am the Lady Dayobi, whom do I have the honor of addressing?"

[ferabird]

Like unto a miniature version of her beloved 'Pater', Katheribe slunk from the bushes herself in his wake. Rather than emerge afront the strange intruder, she'd emerged behind the cool-toned Murdon in a fashion downright optimal for a pincering attack, had such been necessary. Eager (and wet, mucousy) pants of excitement pass her black-stained lips, the sickly appearance of the father echoed in his offspring. Something of a sickly grin spreads over the child's lips, ever-present and held so at the corners by stitches worthy of a frankenstein nightmare. Not the sort to act in aggression without the signal of sire, she was settled on her rump and nibbling at a flea-bitten leg when he expressed his shock. Oh- that inspired her to glance up with black-ringed eyes, the resulting effect making her look horrifically like some ill-kept zombie. The sight she was gifted with made her little black-furred toes splay in surprise, the stitches upon her forelegs straining to accomodate the tensing of muscle.

"Pater!" she remarks in a yip, undersized tail lashing the grass behind. Still- such was a proper reaction of shock- and as her sire took on the duty of leading that fantastical alien inside, she dutifully took up the rear, shoving the branches of the brush back into place in their wake before hurrying after at a trot.

[Jenn]

With the help of the agreeable, if handicapped, old torn, Atreju had hunted the young lapines up an unsuspecting human to cook for the feast. A larger one, this, his muscles large from heavy labor and his skin scarred from who knew what activities. Nevertheless, he would be a fine meal properly roasted. The children had been delighted to assist in trussing him up and spitting them. Perhaps too excited, but that was only to be expected from youth like theirs. The disturblings they kept as pets frolicked around the area, sniffing at the air but mostly uninterested in the meat roasting on the fire. Leftovers would be more their style.

He and Mulsej had spitted their pig and seasoned it to taste, with the teenaged Berri, Babs, and Jaun following suit with the burly human. They'd carefully removed the organs to be cooked separately, perhaps fried and served as delicacies. Currently they were flinging sauce at one another, their excuse being that they were trying to further baste the human and 'missing'. The mess was confined to the cooking area, and their watchers would make sure it stayed that way. They didn't want to interfere with their Lady's grand dinner before it was even served. Only she knew the full guest list.

Or perhaps not.

Atreju saw her wave and begin to approach, his expression brightening imperceptibly beneath his raven's mask at the sight of her. Such a beautiful female, and he would serve her however she saw fit. Giving him a place to live, providing a purpose and motivation for his talent, and gracing him with the pleasure of her company...he was hers and only hers, mind and soul. Body was another story.

Mask's entrance drew the masked feline's attention, his young companions remaining oblivious, and he grimaced slightly. That one's presence would set Dayobi off a bit, and him as well, what with the smell and the fleas and the general malaise surrounding the Infection. The creature entering after him, however, took Atreju's breath away and he stood as if frozen. His Lady's wide-eyed look was the only thing that jolted him back to his senses and he approached to stand behind her, to the side, bowing in turn. If she wishes to present an elegant front to this exotic and completely unexpected alien visitor, he would do his best to honor that unvoiced request.

Listening to Dayobi's greeting with half an ear and a grimace, Mask's attention was otherwise on the small green bundle of fur, mucous, and stitches that had apparently followed him to his 'refuge' of sorts. At least, his supplier of booze and comfort. He gave her a grunt of approval for hiding the entrance after their passage and reached out a paw to pull her close to his side, ruffling her spotted fur a bit as he did so. Adorable little thing. Normally he didn't like children, but...well, she was his kid. That made all the difference. Time to let the Murdon do the talking and just watch the fireworks.

For her part, the Murdon took a moment to glance idly around her at the preparation and festivities that seemed to take up all of the space in this underground 'den'. It was its own Cast, that was for sure, filled to the brim with Euclide. Her bored, annoyed request had been fulfilled in spades.

She regarded the patchwork who addressed her with cool, emotionless eyes. A leader by her stance, surprised by her motions. Used to power, that much was certain from the way the pretty male reacted to her summons. The pale gray cloak still covered the crest of curled spikes on her back, a large and rather impressive crest for such a small Murdon. Her status warranted it and, though she was not as powerful as her Lord in one aspect, no one would ever sneer at her abilities or magics. If these creatures knew anything about Murdon physiology, they would recognize the size as a distinction of rank.

After a moment's pause of silence, partly to think and partly to consider her response, she nodded her head slightly to the Masquerade before her. "My name is Filibai, Divine Adviser to the glorious Yuukuj," she said into the minds of those present, her more formal personality ascendant. If they were unused to telepathy, which many of them seemed to be, they were in for quite the surprise. "You are...Dayobi. Interesting. I don't normally make a habit of remembering the names of creations, so forgive me if I forget it in a few moments." She shrugged her slender shoulders and one set of arms, the ones that had previously been holding her cloak tight to her body, reached out to tuck the lower remnants more firmly about her midsection as an odd mix between a shawl and a skirt. Her lower arms were still beneath the fabric, but their existence was made visible by the folds of the fabric. "Perhaps you would indulge my curiosity. What is the purpose for this gathering?"

[Nathalia]

The scruffy old Torn continued to turn the spitted pig, watching the young Lapines after the corner of his eye, and let the rest of his vision be occupied by the Murdon in his vision.

A real Murdon. Here! He watched with baited breath, watching for his Lady to do something. Not to his surprise, she called Atreju forward and made polite conversation. He looked back to the god-like figure and waited for it to respond. He quite nearly pissed himself when a mental blast surged through his mind, he listened to the Murdon's message, mouth hanging open, eyes wide.

Dayobi was less surprised than she could have been, she was able to concentrate on the words, at any rate. Discussions with Furl had familiarized her with telepathy, at least...from Maggots. This was different, but at the same time... not too far from it. Her composure was nearly lost, however, when the creature revealed that she was Filibai...divine adviser to Yuukuj himself!

She managed to keep her face respectful, and sank into another bow. "Lady Filibai, the occasion is a celebration and get together for members of my Cast and Court, to meet with friends from other Casts...to make alliances, and celebrate friendships." She smiled raising herself again. "I would be most honored if you would remain to grace us all with your presence for dinner."

She turned to Atreju, motioning to him with a paw. "This is Atreju, son of Xerxes, both he and myself will be glad to assist you with anything you might need this evening."



From a tall tree above, a tall thin Chiroptae watched the proceedings in silence. He hoped that Kaedaj would take up his invitation now... He would certainly be pleased when he arrived... It wasn't everyday that a Murdon appeared at your door.

His eyes took in the Infection...and the tiny green form at his side. He shuddered...he would be avoiding them, if at all possible.

[Jenn]

The young lapines followed Mulsej's stare to the door and they, too, gaped at the Murdon who had just spoken into their heads. A real live alien. Here. Right now. They were excited beyond words. "I wanna touch it," muttered Berri, but she stayed where she was by the roasting human. In the back of her mind, she could just imagine the kinds of punishments Dayobi would dish out for interfering and possibly embarrassing her in front of a Murdon. Death was the least of such punishments.

Mulsej carefully slipped away from the gathering of Rather Important Personages in the Cast and went instead to join his friend at the roasting pits. He spared the lapines a glance and ushered his daughter along with him, wondering if he wanted to let her play with them. Then he wondered what kind of things she could possibly pass on to them. With a gruesome grin, he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Why don't ye go an' see if you can help 'em cook that human. Y'know, cough on it a little or summat."

With that, he turned his attention to the old Torn sitting by the slowly cooking swine and plopped his rear on the ground next to him with a grunt. "Found yer lady a present. Think I can get some wine for it? 's only my due, all things considered." He left vague what those 'things' might be, the obvious assumption being the presence of the Murdon.

Still standing politely behind and beside his Lady as an escort of sorts, Atreju thanked the gods - one of which was in front of him, if his eyes and mind were to be believed - that he wore a mask, and Dayobi too. Their emotions were much easier to conceal when such expressive parts of their anatomy were concealed. They both had the added benefit of jewelry, her colorful charms and his classic gold and elegant counterpoint. They would do their Cast, and their species, proud in this introduction. He would stay unusually silent, as befit his current station of 'ornament', unless he was called upon to say anything. This would be his Lady's moment to shine and no one else's. A bow at her introduction spoke well enough of his respect for them both and his willingness to serve.

For her part, Filibai allowed her amusement to show on her face through the hint of a smile, her flat, lipless mouth turning up slightly at the corner. What a delightful turn of events. She would be their guest of honor for the evening, sharing in their little festival and merriments? How quaint. She could play the polite game and see how far it took her. Throwing this female off of her guard was quite entertaining, and both of her selves adored games. She wondered how easy it would be to do it again.

It wouldn't hurt to find out.

With a slow, deliberate motion, she drew a third hand from beneath the cloak and held it before her, six-fingered palm closed around an unidentifiable object. If these creatures had never seen a Murdon before, as seemed evident, perhaps her 'extra' digit - more than the disgusting humans sported, at any rate - would surprise them.

"Such an elegant hostess," her mind murmured in a smooth, liquid tone. "You have quite the little gathering here. What kind of guest would I be, especially uninvited as I am, to arrive without an item of appreciation for the welcome. I am well known for my magics, pretty creations. Perhaps you have even called upon my door without realizing it, for I never reveal myself to the crass and undeserving public. Here. Accept this as a token of goodwill towards your forest dwelling and its decidedly unique decor."

So saying, she drew back ass of her digits to reveal a large, gleaming ruby resting in her pale blue palm. Not a blemish marked the blood-hued stone, cut to shine and glow in the slightest light. It was perhaps larger than other stones, a work of art in its own right. "Blessed with the power of shape-changing, that you may take any form pleasing to you. Such stones hold those enchantments best, I've found. It was enchanted by my hand long ago, a particularly successful spell that should never grow weak." Again her lipless mouth tilted upwards in a smile, this one slightly sharper. Let no one question her power or dexterity with magics, lest they find themselves learning firsthand just how capable she truly was. Her Lord did not trust her with freedom for nothing.

((Just so everybody knows, the Blessed Ruby is the one Nat won in the contest. Filibai is just 'giving' it to her so she has an IC reason for it, and cause it's just fun. XD))

[Nathalia]

Mulsej's attention was distracted slightly by the flash of green to the left of the Murdon. He watched in surprise as Maskaeinji slid past the alien...goddess...thing... With another, tinier green form. He watched Mask pat the youngling on the head and shove it in the direction of the Lapines. He raised an eyebrow as the Infection plopped himself down by the old Torn.

"Yer due, Lad? Yeah, sure, soon as the food's up, yeh'll git some. Wouldn' think ahf denyin' yeh, wine too, ah'll git'cher sommat outter mah room." He nodded his head toward the Euclides he had come in with. "S'at one yers, Mask? Looks lahke yeh, m'lad."

His attention was distracted as he saw what it was the Murdon handed to his Lady.

Dayobi's lower beak dropped ever so slightly as the gift was unveiled. She watched the fingers peal back from the exceptionally large and beautiful ruby. It glimmered in the Murdon's palm, she could barely spare a glance for the odd digits, her gaze focused for a full three seconds on the gem, unable to pull herself together.

She came back to herself and dropped her head in another bow. "My Lady Filibai, you are far t-too gracious to this small creation." She was glad for Atreju's presence, she was sure if she had been alone before the Murdon, she would have gaped like a fish, instead of simply stumbling over a word. She accepted the sparkling ruby with reverence, eyes sliding to meet her consort's and gleaming with pleasure.

High in the tree, Furl let out a high pitched chuckle, eyes closing in embarrassment for his Lady, since she obviously was unaware of her silly stutter and small jaw drop. That had been oddly adorable, he knew what it was to desire the Lady as a beautiful creature, but recently he had begun to realize why it was that Mulsej desired her as herself....as well as her body. What an interesting creature, so unlike other Puppet Masters.

"A Murdon... A Murdon... I still can't believe it, but that gem cinches it. This is amazing, if I hadn't been blessed by one, I wouldn't belive in them..."

"Aye, what a fortunate turn of events this is... First acceptance of invitation from Sir Jiaro...now this. Who could desire more at a party?"

"Heh, did you see Mask down there, Furl?"

"..........Yes.......Siche.......I did...."

"Look, he brought his kid too. At least, I assume it's his."

"It has to be, look at it."

"Shut up about that mongrel, watch the Murdon...."

Dayobi breathed again. "If you would please follow me, my Lady, I will get you situated at the table, unless of course, you would rather familiarize yourself with the other, or the area first?"

She watched the impassive face, waiting for a signal.

[Jenn]

Mask's eyes followed the small green form as it moved away from him, something that might possibly deviate from a smirk gracing his muzzle. If one were bold, it might even be called the hint of a fond smile. His children brought him pleasure, especially this lovely, disgusting little daughter of his. In an odd sort of way that no one would normally peg, he was extremely fond of being a parent. Considering his current condition, he supposed that was a good thing.

The three green younglings had turned their attention from their prized spitted humans and were now staring at the new child on the scene with unrestrained curiosity.

"She's mine, unexpected as she was. Her an' her brother came from a Zombie I happened on one night. Never told ye that story, I guess." He shrugged his speckled shoulders in a gesture that approximated the sound and feeling behind the word 'eh'. Assurances of food and drink down the road had him more relaxed and ready to take the night as it came, so long as sustenance was included. He stared hungrily at the meat rotating on the spits, missing the exchange of the 'gift' until Dayobi's brief stutter drew his attention back to the lot of them.

Atreju had a great deal of trouble not gawking at the Murdon's token towards his Lady's hospitality, now doubly grateful for the concealing nature of his mask. Not only had an alien being decided to pop in for a spot of dinner, but it offered such splendor in exchange. He knew quite well how difficult it was to obtain a Blessed Ruby, having admired the gems and their abilities himself in times past.

He met Dayobi's gaze with one of his own, his expression mostly inscrutable but for the pleased set of his jaw. She would see it, but he doubted greatly that many others would. She would want to speak of this later, and he would be hard-pressed not to say a few words on the matter himself.

The Murdon female waved the six-fingered hand which had until so recently held the magical item, the gesture dismissive and arrogant. Under the circumstances, it felt rather appropriate. How she loved setting her Lord's creations on edge when they came into her shop and encountered her telepathy for the first time. There, however, a curtain concealed their expression from her curious eyes. Now she could see everything firsthand and fully appreciate how fun her work often was.

"A drink would be welcome," she said in an offhanded mental tone, her attention caught by the jingling of Dayobi's many charms. Baubles attracted her attention very well. It was why she had chosen initially to place her enchantments in colorful fruits and sparkling gems of myriad hues, that love of colorful trinkets. She filled her living space with bits and pieces of anything that caught her fancy, rather like a magpie would, except that she attached a memory to each piece. What with life being so long and occasionally quite tedious, anything that helped to remind of times past she considered to be quite welcome...but only if the times were worth remembering.

[ferabird]

Kaetheribe, upon coming more into the open, keeps at first close about her pater's paws. Between those flea-infested legs she affectionately twines, long since having contracted an infestation of her own. It's not but so far from him that she wanders, leaving adult business to the adults in favor of plopping down upon her rear and twisting about to nip and nibble at her greasy hide. Somehow beneath the sickly sheen on her fur, her skin was persistantly dry. Her brief attempt at self grooming only rouses flakes of dead skin to where they're more visible, such 'upkeep' only briefly enacted before she turns to peer after her sire. Decietfully blank of expression, she allows her tongue to roll out at the corner of her maw- it's length sickeningly splotched with purples similar to the affliction-like dapples upon her lips. Unconcerned, she allows yellow-tinted and mucousy spit to drool from her tongue and blackened gums, her brush of a tail meanwhile offered short wagging flicks of feigned friendliness. Hardly concerned with a single beast in the place- she lends some credit to her mixed heritage.

After all, anything that survived the afflictions she set upon them long enough to do her harm would fall beneath her father's muscular jaw, and Mummy dearest was ever so good at stitching her back up again...

[Jenn]

Oh yes, Mask would be on anything that dared harm his daughter like the incarnation of a vengeful Pestilence, biting and sliming and spreading, depending on their transgression. Unless there was direct harm, however, or she called him in, the Infection didn't much care what she got up to so long as she came back in mostly one piece. After all, with the Zombie influence, there was always the chance of something accidentally detaching during play, and that was just fine. Her mother was good with a needle.

Meanwhile, of the three lapines, Berri was the first to approach. Her siblings hung back deliberately so that their more dominant sister could have a go at this stranger before they bothered poking their noses into it. They'd get a swift kick otherwise, and they knew it. None of them were especially fond of the smelly Infection, mostly cause they hated getting sick and refused to catch whatever he harbored...which, from what others said, was a lot.

"'lo," the small youngling offered in greeting, about three feet away and watching the odd mix itch herself. The wagging tail was encouraging, but the flaking skin was rather gross. Cool, but still gross. "I'm Berri. That's Babs an' Jaun. You're related to the guy who always hangs around in Mulsej's rooms, right? You were twinin' around his legs an' all, so I just sorta assumed. Otherwise, y'know, you'd prolly catch something nasty."

[Nathalia]

Dayobi attempted to recover her dignity quickly, the stammer having even been audible to herself. She listened to the odd voice in her mind...it told her it wanted a drink...one of her drinks. She smiled to herself, and regained composure outside...inside she wanted to dance with glee and scream at people to make themselves more useful. Such was life.

She smiled dipping her head slightly, Murdon or not, unless there were more presents in the offering, she was through with bowing. "My Lady, it would delight me to offer you a drink from my selection of fine wines...I do not however, know of your preference. Would you come with me to choose yourself? Or shall I have Atreju fetch you something, if you already know what your tastes desire?"

Mulsej watched his lady with amazement. He knew damn well what he would've done if confronted unexpectedly with a Murdon... Shat himself and then begged it not to un-create him, most likely... If he was capable of that level of complex thinking by that point...

The old Torn turned to Mask, smiling. "Whell, 't look lahke Mah Lady's got that all sorted ou', eh?" He shifted and reached out a forepaw. Extending his claws further than they should have been able to go, a lack of nerve endings could be such a wonderful thing at times, he reached out to the roasting swine. Tearing off a strip he passed it to the Infection. "Ere, see iffin' tha' tastes righ' so fahr... Ah mean lahke spices wise, allrigh'? No smart remarks, be serious, lad."

Mulsej then responded to the Canine's inquiry. "Nah, yeh ain' tol' meh abou' any zombie fling yet, lad. Was she any good?" He laughed softly, turning the spit and grunting with the effort. "Yer daughter turned out nice so she must'a at leas' looked pretty good, eh? She seems a cute li'l thing. Though commin' from yew, I'd guess she's rotten to the core!" He grinned at his companion, turned and began plucking the feathers off of a goose.

Furl lounged in the tree. He was beginning to tire of waiting for his companion, descendant of the great Vlaj or not, Kaedaj was late. He was getting slightly bored, and very edgy, he was hungry and he could see the loathsome pair, Mulsej and Mask, sampling away at the roasting food. He glowered in their direction as the maggots cackled in his mind. Rolling his quaking eyes, he waited.

[Jenn]

Filibai considered Dayobi's offer of wine, rolling the thought of the drink around in her mind. She rather liked wine, when she actually made the time to find some or was gifted a bottle for some reason. She was not particularly knowledgeable on the subject of types and flavors, however, preferring to spend her time dabbling in a magical palette instead. Judging from the grapes adorning the Theatre and its owner, the Euclides and her companions likely knew a good bit more about the subject than she did.

"Your male can fetch me something to compliment the meal," she said after a moment's pause. "In the meantime, I will take you up on the offer of a seat." Assuming that her requests would be accommodated, the Murdon glanced around and spied a cushion large and plush enough to accommodate her lanky, many-limbed frame without causing undue pressure to her spikes or tail. She gathered the top of the cloak around her abdomen, two arms continuing to hold it in place, and sort of 'drifted' in the direction of the pouf. Her expression had turned inward.

Having heard their guest's request as clearly as his Lady, Atreju bowed low to both females and turned to hustle towards the wine cellar. He guessed that Dayobi would want him to dig into her premier vintages for this guest, one of her oldest bottles. Certainly one pressed by her own hand. His form disappeared from the main scene of the party, tail flicking nervously as he descended into the cellar. To go with the meal, it would have to be a strong red...

The motion towards food by Mulsej's oddly extended paw caught Mask's attention immediately away from the others and he watched hungrily as a strip was torn from the fat swine's flank. Rather than lose any juices to his fur, which would soak it up and add to the oily sheen, he just reached out and bit it from the Torn's 'fingers'. Hopefully he didn't take any with it, but if he had...it's not like they would have lasted long anyway.

He rolled it around on his tongue thoughtfully, letting the flavor of actual cooked foot soak into his memory as it soaked into his oft-neglected taste buds. Nope, no fingers. Just deliciously seasoned pork. He was perhaps not the best person to give an opinion on food, the reply usually being 'good' or, if he was feeling particularly bland, 'edible'. He hadn't eaten in a few days, however, and was more than ready for a filling meal. "You change anything an' I'll take the fingers next time," he grunted around his mouthful, the taste of which he drew out as long as possible. It was a disgustingly soft and soggy mess by the time he finally allowed it to slide down his throat before he bothered replying to anything else.

"Her mom was prettier 'n anything I'd had before," the Infection admitted. "Chance an' luck more 'n anything else, I think. She's the most like me, though." His grin implied that yes, his daughter was indeed rotten all the way through, outside and in. Just like her pater.

[Nathalia]

Dayobi nodded, a smile gracing the edges of her beak as Atreju raced off without being ordered. She loved that...she loved servants that were smart enough to think for themselves. Many would have assumed that her paranoia of being overthrown would cause her to recruit only the thick of mind as well as body. She liked intelligence, it was attractive; though, if they were truly mustering against her...well, to say that her spies were everywhere would be an understatement...the walls may as well have ears.

She nodded in acknowledgement of the Murdon's request for a seat and, out of formality since she appeared to have picked one out already, led her to the cushion, originally brought out for herself, and watched Filibai sink into it. Dayobi stood, fully, rising gracefully into her anthromorphic form as she arose. "I shall have one of my members bring you a recitation of the menu tonight, if there is nothing to your liking, I'll be happy to fetch you whatever you would prefer." She murmured, respectfully. "Please, enjoy yourself."

The Patchwork moved off toward the roasting humans and swine.

Mulsej hastily ripped off the last few feathers and stuck the second goose with another roasting spit. He was still feeling slightly miffed with Mask for nearly taking his fingers, though he hadn't said anything about it, and was trying to get the birds cooked and seasoned like the pork. His Lady approached...he smiled at her, delighted to get a nod in return and returned to the fowl, mood perceptively improved.

Dayobi approached the young Lapines and the small Infectious Canine. She smiled at them all, turning first to Mask's child. "Good evening, my dear. I am the Lady Dayobi. I hope you enjoy your evening here." She frowned in her head, disliking the fact that the Infections had to be present, but dealing with the concept for the time being.

She then turned to the Lapines. "Berri," She murmured. "Please come with me." She walked the young one a few feet away from her siblings and knelt down. "My dear, I am aware that you are curious about our particular guest. I feel that you are one of the most trustworthy, and visually pleasing, of my Cast members; therefore I would be most appreciative if you would go over to our guest and read her the menu we have here." She presented Berri with a tiny list, and winked at her. "I know you'll do perfectly my dear, just remember to be extra polite...no telling what dear Filibai is capable of. Thank you, Berri dear."

Pheasant or Goose with onion and celery stuffing
Filet of Cod, sole, or tuna
Human, adult (M,F) or child (F) well done with cranberry garnish
Pork with potato and tuber

Summer salad
Vegetables
Soup (Human, pork)

She stood and walked back toward her home, just one quick errand to her room and she would return to entertain her guest. She grinned.

[ferabird]

Late indeed! It seems a small grouping of eucliude had difficulty in finding the place. Invited along by family, friends, or rescuees; it was quite the muddled group that wandered in.

---

Neglecting out of paw the notion perhaps that her sibs had not meant her to follow when they excitedly discussed the party they'd be attending, Abiakael was the first to wriggle through the mesh of protective shrubbery that masked the entrance to the patchwork's lair. Tumbling past the last few to land in a comical heap, she peers into the tunnel that stretches ahead, and with an excited wiggle, lofts her babyishly swaying ears. Her moment of glory though is entirely ruined by the appearance of her own pet disturbling, which lands atop her with an easygoing churr and reduces them both to a pile of brightly colored limbs. Hardly so severe as her sibs, Abbi's soon up again, though the cant of her ears is mildly perturbed. Warding off further misfortune (or so she believed), she lofts one paw to thrice tap the clover-shaped earring she wears always. That'd learn the universe to make her look silly!

"Poppa!" she calls behind, her little forelegs wrapped about her mischievous pet.

And here he comes next, forging through the brush. Thoughtfully the adult lapine, and sire to the troublesome trio inside as well as the one before him, slips himself inside. No stranger to such decietful methods as this, his primary concern for the moment is assuring that he's lost none of his knick-knacks on the way in. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, scarves..... he had any number of pretty trinkets strewn over his body. Some were absolutely worthless, and others worth far more than they appeared to be. Each had it's own tale of how it'd been gambled away from it's owner- some more impressive than others.

Whilst one of the strangest of his brood dances about in impatience, he brushes the dirt from her brightly green hide. "Come along then... moi girl" he begins, a clever smile pressed onto his muzzle. "When we get insoide, Oi'll need you to help me at counting moi prizes." He knew she'd be delighted, and her little squeel confirmed as much. She was forever counting things.

Perhaps her gift as she became an adult would be dominos... if only she could restrain the urge to count aloud.

In the pair wanders, soon enough visible to the large gathering. Of course, the moment her father stops moving the youth is upon him, circling his spotted and splotched figure whilst rapidly counting aloud each trinket she found. Ah well- at least it'd be a chance to look around....

---

It's great deal later that finally that great, muscle-bound chiroptae arrives. It's upon all fours that the black-furred amuni menace traipses in, his wings taking reasonably the place of forelegs. Still- he was massive. Larger even than his father now that he brinked on his prime, the gold-sailed stranger rouses and swivels his notched ears in search of his briefly-made companion of not long ago. Respectfully remaining upon four limbs rather than two so as to not loft his head atop others, it's in an unsure fashion that he finally comes further inside. The scent of various roasting meats was heavenly... and he'd be able (in modest amounts) to partake- thanks to the blessing of his mother. He derived a goodly amount of his nutrition from the blood of his victims- but thanks to his mother's less severe type- he could consume the meat as well with as much relish as any other.

Finally he seems to catch ear or eye of the perching carrion, and with a moment to rouse to his feet and shove off from the ground, he's soon arrowing along to join him thanks to the strongly gusting sweep of wings. "Hail, Furl." he'll call out as he comes nearer, a couple of backwings halting his forward motion and allowing him neatly to land. Proudly wearing his inverted cross necklace- he makes for quite a sight.

"I apologize for being late. I had to wait for the amuni to prepare to change their watch-shifts before I could leave the belltower." he explains hastily, a far different person when confronted with his own kind. One could almost call the massive puppeteer kindly...

---

Meanwhile, Kaetheribe's given a chance to eye up the young lapine whom approaches. Inwardly amused by how her sibs hang back and leave her to whatever misfortune she may encounter, Kae at least has the sense to keep her cackle internal. Her pa's willingness to express his delight in how others reacted to his disgusting state was sometimes ill-timed, and she doesn't want a wet, mucousy laugh to scare the girl off just yet.

"That's my pater!" she comments, a nod jerked by her sickeningly slotched muzzle. Lips stitched at the corners part as though to answer, only for the one her pa dubbed the 'birdy-butt' to prance up and steal away the attention of her potential playmate. Ah- well. She offers the patchwork a sickening display of yellowed teeth and blackened gums, the stitches at the corners of her lips keeping the smile from literally splitting her face.

"A'course- pretty lady." she answers to the forced greeting, quickly dropping the false and far-from-adorable smile when the bustling masquerade moved on.

[Nathalia]

The Masquerade moved back toward the back entrance to her home, intent on retrieving an item from her room. her brows jutted upward slightly as she made out some forms moving closer to the outside.

Someone had come in the front?

She approached, a kind smile in place on her face. When she made out the two Lapines...and their type, her smile became genuine. "Ah, good afternoon. You must be the father of my most recent additions. Hajard, am I correct in guessing?"

She offered a purple scaled paw to the lanky male, small bells chiming softly as she moved.

"It is indeed a pleasure to meet you at last, and you must be Abiakael. Your sister Berri has told me about you, here, I have something for you."

Reaching over her shoulder, the Patchwork disentangled two small silver rings from her coiled trinkets. Each one had two tiny purple beads attached to the top. The smile actually reaching her eyes, the tiny Lapine eating away at some of her worry, she handed the rings to her.

"There you are, dear Abiakael...your sister requested that you have these especially." She raises her head to gaze at Hajard once more. "The rest of your family is directly outside sir, over by the roasting humans. I have a quick errand to run, I shall return shortly. Enjoy yourselves."

With a soft ringing lingering behind her, the Masquerade was gone down the corridor.

As she padded toward her room she thought of Atreju...she had yet to see him again...she would stop by the store room as soon as she had retrieved the trinket, to see how he was getting along.

--------------------------------------------------------

Furl watched as the long awaited form of Kaedaj pulled its way through the air toward him. The Carrion could not stop himself from grinning, the others good mood was infectious from quite a ways away.

"Hail Kaedaj!" Furl cried in warm greeting, his pipe clacking off of the teeth in his lower jaw. "How are you this fine morning? Have you laid eyes upon our guest of honor, yet?"

He gestured a wing claw down to the ground and off to the left, there, in the shade, the Murdon Filibai reclined on her cushion.

He grinned at the partial Vampire, giving him a knowing wink. "Always good to be on good terms with those who consider themselves Gods...whether they are or not. As it is, it's good to see that you could make it, I was afraid you might not have been able to attend. I've made sure to instruct old Mulsej to save some of the..." He grinned. "More palatable parts of the food for you as well. The blood of the pig has been made into a pudding as well as that of the humans, just in case, my friend."

The Carrion smiles again, looking entirely cheerful. "Enough of this, then. Let us join the party, come we shall meet with this Murdon together."