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! ]]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I didn't your anniversary was the Fourth of July," Steve said. "How fun! Where are you going?"

"June 30," Steven explained. "But we're going for the week, you see. Greece. Taking the time to make it a proper holiday."

"Oh, there's lots to see," Steve said. "Tony and I were there at the start of the summer but our trip got cut short when AIM found Tony's island and tried to kidnap the dog via helicopter."

Steve shrugged. "It didn't work because it's not a very good plan, but we're not going back until Tony upgrades the security."

"Is the dog all right now?" Steven asked. Because priorities. "No lingering trauma, I hope?"

Steve laughed. "I don't think Patriot even noticed," he admitted. "He was having too much fun in his dog pool."

Steven relaxed on the adorable doggie's behalf. "That's good. Can't imagine how you two felt. If someone tried hurting Raphael I don't know what I'd do."

Then, realizing Steve might not know who that was, "That's our cat."

"I threw pool furniture at the helicopter," Steve admitted with a smile. "It was pretty satisfying."

Steven couldn't help but be curious. "Did the furniture survive?"

Steve snorted. "No. It hit the helicopter and fell down the cliff."

"Didn't think it would," Steven admitted. "But didn't know if perhaps it was a hotel used to these sorts of shenanigans."

But not Shenanigans which were Fandom exclusive, of course.

Steve grinned. "It's our house and we're used to shenanigans, but Tony's not that worried about the structural integrity of the pool's table and chairs, just how aerodynamic they were."

Since Steve had a propensity for picking things up and chucking them.

"I see," Steven said. He went for a joke, though with clear nervousness about how it would land. No furniture imagery intended. "So no worrying about getting the security deposit back, sounds like."

"Oh, that's definitely gone," Steve agreed.

Steven beamed, rather proud of himself that at the very least his joke hadn't landed poorly. Which felt like all the more reason to try to excuse himself before he buggered it up.

"Yes, well, happy birthday again," Steven said. "Hope your party is wonderful. I'm sure it will be. The ones you both throw always are. No - no stone unturned there. Far as details and the like. Never been disappointed, personally. Disappointed I can't make this one, of course. Would love to. Be there in spirit. Not - not actually. I don't have that ability. So far as I know."

He was babbling. He probably should leave.

Steve was kind of used to people babbling at him, so he wasn't going to call attention to it.

"Enjoy Greece."

"Thank you!" Steven said, and then fled. Not running, but bumping into a table when he turned to walk away so about as dignified, really.

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

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