chef_chocobro | The Far Less Creepy and Far From Abandoned Mansion in the Woods; Friday Afternoon/Evening [06/27].

When the guests arrived, they would, of course, be instructed to find their way to the garden conservatory; the subtle decorations both inside the mansion and through the exterior gardens would guide most people to there, and, barring that, the steward was naturally on hand to provide and escort. There, they would find a scene that seemed almost a stark contrast to the dark and brooding decor of a necromancer, a place filled with light and life, with plants both decorative and functional, colorful and aromatic and useful, and, of course, no lack of the expected gothic or Victorian touches here and there. Somewhere, some cleverly situated water fixture babbled steadily along with the light, inobtrusive music that set the atmosphere: something elevated just slightly above casual, that slight touch of pretentiousness that was gentle in its demands for propriety and decorum and class. Comfortable chaises and chairs were arranged here and there sociably, a gathering a wrought-iron bistro tables and chairs as well, but the set-up seemed to suggest the kind of floating interactions of butterflies among flowers, drifting from one to the next with an airy regard.

And, of course, the spread of food was exceptional, lighter fair, but plenty of it, things that could be enjoyed while fluttering about with the other guests in one hand, while the other held a glass of fine wine or sparkling water garnished with fresh fruits or even a robust coffee or a floral cup of tea. Small sandwiches and crostini, bruschetta and other variations, but there were also empanadas with a chimichurri sauce, paella with scallops, pomegranate pork kebabs...

Spring rolls, summer rolls, smoked salmon cucumber rolls...

And of course, desserts, which would include alfajores dulce de leche, coffee truffles, fruit crostini, and key lime mini pies.

Needless to say, no one should be wanting for food. Just be careful not to fill up on treats too much if you plan to stay on later; there was still plenty of dancing to be had, once the party moved itself to the awaiting ballroom.

[[ ~~naturally, ocd incoming~~ ocd is up! Come and celebrate with us! ]]

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Liliana understood that perfectly! It wasn't their fault that some colors just spoke to them in ways that defied understanding! And it had the completely random and unforeseen side effect of making them so immediately recognizable!

"Tony, darling, you must stop being so attractive. It's my party, everybody's attention is supposed to be on me."

It was normal and reasonable! Exactly!

"I'm only a candle flame against your radiance," Tony assured her, holding out a hand for her to take.

"Weeeeell...I suppose it would be rude of me to argue with a guest..." Liliana said with a laugh. "And we both know I would never do something like that." She took the proffered hand, eyes sparkling. "Tony, darling, how are you?"

"Abuzz with plans," Tony said brightly. "This is the first year in ages that Steve has allowed me to throw him a birthday party."

Which was simply cruel of him. Also self-defense.

"That's wonderful, darling," she said. "Well done! I got to throw Ignis a small party last year and I'm fairly certain that's the last one I'll get for years." Ugh, why didn't either of them appreciate being celebrated appropriately? And why did that mean that she and Tony had to suffer?

Because obviously that was the most important thing here.

"However did you convince him?" Was it something she could steal for herself?

"I think he's humoring me, but I'll still take it," Tony admitted. "And he's seen how much I've missed parties."

Weirdo that he was for it.

"And I promised I wouldn't drag him into any galas in New York without permission."

"Hmmm. I might need to work on getting established on Eos," Liliana said thoughtfully. She didn't have any parties she could threaten him with yet - or soothe by promising he could avoid - but that sounded like a viable strategy.

"Whyever did we let the winter and spring go by without a major party?"

~~because the real world, Liliana~~

"Right? We've been slacking," he agreed. "But we're making up for it now."

In very quick succession. God help those radio squirrels.

Perhaps more booze was in order. Just as a kind of thank you. Or perhaps a 'sorry.'

"Who shall we get to host the party we have to have in a fortnight?" Liliana asked, easily sliding her arm into Tony's. "We had one last week, one this one, plus tomorrow's festival, now Steve's next week...the week after will feel positively depressing if we don't carry it forward."

Or restful, Liliana. It could also feel 'restful.'

"Maybe Don or Thor?"

Tony rested his hand on hers like a gentleman. And someone who was incapable of not flirting.

"We could see if their amenable to it, but I am worried the heat will melt people before then." Summer in Baltimore was Satan's taint.

With his hand on hers, Tony could feel how much cooler she was, even in this heat. It was hot enough to take the edge off her usual chill, but the difference in temperature was noticeable. Even her breath was cold.

"Ahh, and see, now you've discovered why Ignis is so eager to marry me," she said with a laugh. "I am a wonderful heat sink in the summer."

Possibly the only person whose hugs were refreshing in a Baltimore summer.

"Oh, Steve is never allowed to know," he said with a laugh. "He runs hotter than normal. Super soldier thing."

"You just don't want me beating you for best birthday present," Liliana said with a laugh. "I'm onto you, Tony."

Tony clucked his tongue in mock disapproval. "You have your blonde, no stealing mine."

Liliana pouted at him. "But then I'd have two!" she pointed out.

Very reasonably, she thought.

"I've terribly territorial," Tony said like that explained it all. You know. As evident from his putting Steve in a Kiss the Cook apron last week.

Edited 2025-06-28 00:58 (UTC)

"Oh quite," Liliana drawled. "Simply simmering over here with jealousy, I'm sure."

"And as such, I'd have to start a fight and we should just skip that and continue to test them both with our amazing virtues instead."

By destroying reality.

But amazingly

"If only for their sakes," Liliana agreed. "Since it is soon to be Steve's birthday, and Ignis would be crushed if we ruined the party before the dancing."

The Far Less Creepy and Far From Abandoned Mansion in the Woods; Friday Afternoon/Evening [06/27].

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