The manor stood along the borders of Meneb and Shadowglen, looming eerily among the forest trees. The gates were made of wrought iron, but the energy of them made it seem like they were glowing. Upon approaching the manor, you saw that it had three floors and was an unearthly shade of grey. The stairs leading to the doorway were concrete that had seen better days, the doors were made of mahogany and bronze with stained glass accenting it. Just from the outside, you could tell the house belonged to someone who was important.

To the left of the manor, the estate sprawled out for a couple of acres and a ship sat there, with ivy and other flora creeping up the hull. A pirate flag flew from the mast, looking rather tattered. It had been sitting for quite some time, seemingly unloved. It pulsated with life even though it was untouched, crying out for anyone to come aboard once more.

Inside the manor, were a rather eclectic group of beings. Alaeza, the hostess, was at the bar of her own home pouring drink after drink into herself while watching her guests. The Ji-Meneb woman held herself well, even though looking at her closely it was apparent that she was falling apart inside. She had decided to host her former crew for Morostide in hopes of finding a new adventure to breathe life into herself once more. With it, she had sent out invites to anyone that wanted to join in. The woman had just announced that the spirits would be joining them this eve, which was appropriate since it was also the feast of the dead.

As the hours moved along, Alaeza had felt the pull of other beings talking to her and her skin was starting to emanate a spectral blue glow. She knew that it was a reminder of what she was now, no longer someone in power of a country, someone that was in need and the extra spirit that resided within her wanted it to be spoken of. She glanced over at her friends and spoke, "Shall we adjourn to the table? The door has been left open for anyone else that wishes to join."

A taxi pulled up to the gates, its occupant payed the driver and exited the vehicle. "Of course there is no need to worry, I know these people. Besides this is supposed to be my vacation remember?" A phone was held to the ear of this mysterious turquoise haired woman, "Now, unless an emergency comes up I will be seeing you at the Masquerade." A well manicured finger hung up the phone. With her business done she grabbed the handle of her luggage and started her way towards the entrance to the manor. This would be her first time meeting Alaeza, after hearing so much about her, her expectations her very high.

Arriving at the door, Alex noticed it was open, she paused unsure how to continue. Her teachings told her it was polite to knock and announce herself, but the door was opened as if expecting her. Cautiously she entered the house, "Hello?" She called out meekly. She could hear the murmur of people somewhere in the three storied manor. Alex held the handle on her bag tightly, wonder what she should do. She thought to herself that she should return in the morning. Shaking her head, she steeled her nerves and dropped her luggage in the main hall, heading towards the sound of people.

[img align=right]http://i.imgur.com/DWgAer5.png[/img] Jai had mostly been following the walls, trying to regain familiarity with the manor. He didn't think he'd ever come back here. Now, here he was. The feeling was weird, but then again, he's been feeling an unshakable sense of disconnection for the past few months. The cyborg's thoughts was momentarily suspended when Alaeza beckoned everyone to take a seat at the table. Jai headed over, claiming what use to be his usual spot.

"When was the last time any of us sat at this table? So much has changed...with us, I mean, but, seems like the manor is still pretty much the same...except a little more aged," he commented, leaning back in his chair.

[img align=left]https://i.imgur.com/QUncOPj.png[/img] Ren was about to head over to the table when he heard a familiar voice. Immediately, his eyes lit up and an excited grin grew on his face. He eagerly headed towards the front to greet his friend. "Alex! You're here!," He gave her quick hug. "I was getting kind of worried," he admitted. "Wasn't sure if you were going to show. Thought maybe you were going to pull the lame work excuse," he continued, rolling his eyes at his own mention of work. "Anyway, you're just in time! I'll show you to Capt'n Alae," he grabbed Alex's hand to lead the way to where the hostess and the others were.

Frieda asked Weldon to pour her a double Irish Whiskey which caused his eyebrows to elevate. "You never drink Irish." It wasn't that she didn't drink hard liquor, Frieda had a reputation of being able to consume vast quantities of liquor in her younger adolescent years, mostly to no effect because she metabolized it faster then it took to get to her brain. But after that one time when she had finally managed to get fairly sloshed on Atebus, was nearly raped, rescued by Moon, and scolded by every female on the Midnight Lamp, she curtailed her drinking and switched ale. Very infrequent ales.

But tonight was different. She had a fairly reasonable reason to take a drink or two, she sensed that there were emotions in the room that couldn't be accounted for by the number of warm bodies visible. "Hush and pour another. Then hold my paw, I'm not easy with what's about to happen here this evening."

Alaeza smirked with Jai's comment, "I can say I never expected anyone to want to return and see my face." She took a healthy swig off her drink, while her eyes followed the other guests that were adjourning to the table. Her ears twitched slightly over Frieda's comment and she quipped, "Whatever do you mean by what's about to happen here? We are just going to converse with departed spirits. As always, who knows what else we will be up to. Only time will tell. I suggest not getting too much liquor in you though."

There was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, over the thought of what the spirits had to say. It also was interesting to see what former crew had shown up. The impending fear of what may be new comers weighed heavily on her mind, people never did know what to make of the manor.

Within the manor, the chime of an old grandfather clock alerted them that it was now eleven o'clock at night.

(in case anyone missed the original ping!)

Silently Moon had joined the rest of the group at the table, she was distracted by removing parts of her costume. Her wig and head piece lay on the table in front of her, her natural white and black hair cut short underneath, and her ruffled train was hanging over her chair. So much effort into an outfit she now wanted to set a blaze out of the difficulty in wearing it. "Converse with the dead? That could have various meanings...are you being mysterious on purpose Sweetie?" She looked at her dear friend, eyebrow raised.

Alex was relieved to see Ren, "I wasn't too sure if I would make it tonight." She grinned as she was pulled into a hug. "I actually have some news about that...work I mean..." She cut her sentence short as they entered the dining room. Though she knew a few of the people in the room, she was nervous in meeting Aleaza, having heard so much about her from Moon and others. "But I think, perhaps that would best be saved for later." She squeezed Rens hand for reassurance.

[img align=right]http://i.imgur.com/DWgAer5.png[/img] Jai stared at Alaeza for a second as she conversed with the others. He leaned forward in his seat, resting his arms on the table. They hadn't heard from her in forever and then she throws an event. It just felt like there had to be more to this gathering. For whatever reason, it would be revealed soon enough, but his curiosity grew as they waited. Anxious to know what she was planning in addition to the presence of spirits made Jai felt a sense of slight discomfort.

[img align=left]https://i.imgur.com/QUncOPj.png[/img] Ren approached the table, still feeling Alex's grip on his hand. He looked around at those sitting, then to Alaeza, then to Alex next to him, and then back to Alaeza. "Capt'n Alae, I want you to meet someone. I don't believe you guys have met. This is Alex," he presented his companion enthusiastically.

"Alex, meet Capt'n Alae," he smiled. Despite the years, Ren still always refered to Alaeza as Capt'n. It was a habit he was loyal to. "She's was kinda like an alpha to me ...after Ryder. Welcomed me into her pack...so to speak," he said with a faint smirk and a shrug. The young man then looked around before heading next to the humanoid weasels.

Alex was shaking from nerves when she was introduce. "Oh yes, hello Cap...er, I mean." She cleared her throat, steeling her nerves. "Forgive me, its an honor to meet you Captain Alaeza, I've heard quite a lot about you. As Ren said I am Alexandra Richards, Alex if you please. I'm apologize for my late arrival, I had some business that needed to be finished. thank you for the invitation." From a mess of nerves to propriety, Alex was in her business mode. She gave Alaeza a smile and held out her hand.

[img align=left]http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p39/cute_kitty_/MidnightRP_1.png[/img] "Hmmmm," a young woman stood outside the large manor gates. She'd done two loops around the whole mansion but still she was uneasy. She thought to herself what the best way would be for her to introduce herself. A few other guests that she assumed were part of the old crew had already entered inside. What if there weren't prepared to meet a new face?

She took another long hard look at the manor, but decided to head in through the front door like a normal person would. She'd be a good girl today. She had to be, if she wanted to make a good impression. Once inside, she followed far behind a couple that led her to where the captain herself and the crew was situated.

"Right, act natural," she whispered to herself under her breath, but it didn't really work. Her nervousness was through the roof. She closed her eyes and repeated that sentence to herself several more times. Finally, she rounded up the courage and sheepishly entered the quickly gathering room.

Her movements were almost mechanical, just one slow step after the other. She didn't dare to look at anybody. She just sat down and poured herself a drink at the end of the table, trying to keep her nerves in check.

[img align=left]https://s26.postimg.org/gyzdm6lqh/Seb_HA1.png[/img]Adventure was on the wind tonight along with the scent of decaying foliage and a few other less pleasant aromas. Not much different from what he had come to expect this side of Subeta. Sneezing into his elbow the blonde sniffled and rubbed his nose. Beyond the wrought iron bars ahead of him sprawled a vast manor with a gloomy atmosphere begging to be explored, and if luck was on his side, possibly even liberated of a few unnecessary objects. Old houses like this always had a safe or at least an unattended jewelry box laying around.

Just a few more things to check and the thief would be well on his way to another score. Curiously however upon closer inspection the youth found that the gate at the front had been left wide open. Quietly from a distance he observed a lone figure crossing the lawn and entering the house. There didn’t appear to be any guards present, but that didn’t mean the place was unprotected.

The closer he got the more excited he felt, and suddenly the chill of the evening breeze wasn't such a bother. Breaking into a place was one thing, but breaking in while people were home was a whole other thrill. Stealthily he crept closer undecided if he should walk in the front or find a less noticeable entrance. The porch was mercifully less creaky than it looked. Cupping his hands around his eyes the thief leaned into the glass of the front window to see what he would find.