(no subject)

[amongthethorns]

Who: Alan, Castiel, Will, Ronald, Grell, Emizel, Hannah, Botan, Viktor - I think that covers everyone?
What: Prep-work; A Tea Party - first meetings and reunions
Where: Alan's Temple
When: September 3rd
Warning: N/A


Prep-work Alan & Cas Only:
[Alan has been up a while yet. Rushing about his temple, making certain everything is ready. If it's not fussing finishing touches on rooms it's preparing food. Wiping his hands off on his apron, he's already got muffins and various finger foods done. Now It's on to the cookies. Only well it's a flaw of being short.]

Castiel, Can you come get the cinnamon, nutmeg and honey down for me? I've forgotten them. Oh and the cookie cutters from the drawer, also? [Because it all has to be just so. Alan will accept nothing short of perfection.]

Arrivals:
[As the others arrive, Alan has untied his apron and happily he's greeting his guests and steering them to the parlor. He knows he could have Castiel do it but that just seems impersonal Everything is neatly arranged inside, the tea set waiting along with an assortment of foods - finger sandwiches, scones, the promised cookies. Alan admittedly may have gone overboard but he had guests and he wanted to make certain there was something for everyone. It was the same way with drinks - there was of course tea, but also coffee and lemonade.

Thankfully they're not very far from the parlor and with the open floor plan well it's still perfectly easy to interact with his already arrived guest and his newly arrived ones at the same time. Once everyone has arrived and settled themselves, with their snacks, refreshments served Alan is pouring his own cup of tea and finally allowing himself to breathe.]

Partings: 
{As the night winds down, and noticeably before sunset - Alan has quietly taken each of his fellow gods aside. presenting them each with a key that he takes from a ring. He does this until only two are left.]

These belong to rooms here in my Temple. I've set them aside and appointed them for each of you. You and your Shinki are always welcome here under my roof if you ever have need of it think of this as your second home.

Comments

[trademark_skull]

[A - Arrivals-ish]

[Seeing new temple was always a fun experience. Emizel was not sure why he was being ushered inside when the garden seemed alright, and he wanted to explore it, but then he was quickly distracted by the many foods he could try. Alan was not kidding when he mentioned he knew how to bake - especially cookies.]

[The demon simply grabbed a few things, he could always come back later anyway. Along with that he allowed Viktor to do whatever he pleased. Just...as long as it's not trouble. Emizel's still pretty new to shinki discipline.]

[Emizel would also try to be on his best behavior too. He knew that a certain 'someone else' might be here and he probably should be prepared for that...]

[B - Partings-ish]

[Emizel won't quite make it to the initial departures. He's been spoiled on food by now and found a comfy sofa to sit on, though with prayers and over god work tossing his schedule around any comfortable place to lie down was at the risk of becoming a long term one. The sofa did not stand a chance.]

[At least Emizel was doing his best to take the least amount of room possible, in case someone else wants to sit. ...Although he's got his feet on the cushion, so never mind, he's got no manners after all.]

[Somebody should maybe wake him up.]

arrival;

[casbutt]

Hello. You're a friend of Alan's-- I take it... Welcome.

[ Of course he is. This guest would not have been invited otherwise, right? There's just... something different about him, compared to the other gods. And it isn't his height.

Still, he can't entirely trust instincts that he barely knows - especially regarding one who is on good terms with his god. ]

I'm his shinki, Castiel.

[trademark_skull]

[Something may be off indeed. There probably had to be something for a child god to exist like this, or so in theory.]

[Not that Emizel will say what without knowing there was something up. Then again he could still not, just to avoid another William incident.]

I met him just a few days ago... Maybe a little too quick to be friends yet, b-but he did invite me.

[Looks Castiel over]

But you are one of his shinki, huh? Alan seems like a nice guy, you must be pretty lucky!

[casbutt]

[ Well, Cas decides not to dwell on it; rather, he nods in understanding, still offering the boy a faint smile. Any guest of Alan's has his acceptance. ]

I consider myself to be quite fortunate, yes. While I am currently his sole shinki, I wouldn't be surprised if he acquires a larger following soon.

[amongthethorns]

[Oh no Castiel please you're going to make your god blush.]

I don't know that I could handle or want more than one Shinki. Besides you're a very capable Shinki, Castiel.

[He's smiling before peering at Emizel, chuckling softly.]

And I see you've found the treats. If you tell me what ones you like the best I'll pack some up for you to take home with you.

B

[demonsheath]

[ She didn't really need to sit or do anything of the sort, but seeing the boy curled up on the couch, Hannah couldn't help but crouch right next to it. For a couple of seconds, she just watches, but eventually brushes a few of those blond hairs off to the side. ]

I believe Mister Humphries is offering rooms, if you're so tired. Wouldn't you rather sleep in a bed?

[trademark_skull]

[Emizel was almost completely out, but the brushing managed to pull him back in. Stirs a little first but then his fear of women subtly kicked in.]

N-no, I'm awake now. [He repositioned himself so that he could sit up more normally. Regardless how dizzy it kind of made him feel.]

[amongthethorns]

Indeed I am. You are most correct, Miss Hannah.

[He's putting his cup aside moving to his feet from his chair. As he does, he's taking a key from the ring on his pocket, a blue ribbon tied on top of it.]

What kind of host am I if I leave you sleeping on my couch? That simply won't do.

[And Alan is moving as if to scoop Emizel up from the couch into his arms. The action done with the practiced ease of someone used to carrying children even if Emi is anything but.]

Come along like a good lad. I've a room set aside just for you after all.

[trademark_skull]

[Emizel is also a pretty easy carry. But it could have something to do with him being half asleep.]

[Before he knew it he was lifted up. Kind of puts the demon in an odd predicament, not much of a way down unless Alan dropped him.]

It won't happen again. I got enough strength to make it back to my temple now anyway.

prep-work;

[casbutt]

Yes. Of course.

[ As Alan has been spent the entire day preparing his home for the upcoming social event, and Castiel has essentially no household skills, he's happy to help however he actually can. A majority of that has been hovering nearby and holding things - but retrieving them seems to be a step up!

Immediately, he takes to the spice cupboard, shuffling through the small containers and squinting at the labels. Nutmeg, found; cinnamon is a bit more elusive, and has somehow shuffled its way to the hardest-to-reach corner. At least the honey is easily identifiable. Tucking those under an arm, he carefully closing the door, next reaching over to slide open one of the counter drawers. A wide assortment of cookie cutters are available for use, but since Alan hasn't specified, he will simply retrieve all of them. Piling several into the hand of his occupied arm, the shinki will hook his fingers into the remaining mound, leaving him the option of shutting the drawer with his hip.

Returning to Alan with his arms full, he seems rather content with himself. He helped. ]

Here you are.

[ Unloading, he'll begin by unceremoniously piling the cutters onto the counter. ]

[amongthethorns]

[It's not that he doesn't trust Castiel but he's fussy and fretful right now. Inviting his family, their Shinki and a couple new friends into his temple is a big deal for him. That and he's just an antsy perfectionist.

But so too he doesn't want to leave his Shinki out so when he comes to something he needs he asks Castiel to assist. Earlier it had been moving furniture and making beds. Now it's baking. As Castiel gathers all the cookie cutters he fights the urge to clarify that he only needs one - It's to sweet a gesture for him to ruin so Alan will make a point to use each and every danged cookie cutter he has.

Thank you, you're a dear.

Maybe this is vaguely what parenting feels like. He hums curiously. An idea has taken root and well why not? It can't hurt anything. He'll do all the measuring and Castiel can stir the ingredients together - this way he feels a sense of accomplishment and Alan can free up his hands to make more than one bath. He had promised William his favorites but then Ronald likes other cookies and Emizel might not share the same choice.

In Alan's mind the only solution to this is to make at least four different kinds - and he does want to send some home with each of them so he'll be busy much of the day with baking.]

Would you like to help me make the cookies? I have a feeling you would be a good mixer.

[death_glare]

[ William was one of the first to arrive, obviously wanting to be punctual. So when any of the other guests arrive, he'll be seated comfortably, enjoying Alan's near famous tea and biscuits. He's in a good mood, at the moment. Let's see how long that lasts. ]

[trademark_skull]

[...Probably not very long once someone else notices he's already here.]

[death_glare]

[ William pauses, mid-sip, his eyes narrowing at the boy. Alan...he is sorely disappointed in you. ]

[trademark_skull]

[He hasn't done a thing though!]

[demonsheath]

[ Really not long, because one of the other first to arrive was Hannah. At least she's stopped wearing the maid clothing and opted for nice modern wear instead.

Well, it seems that this wasn't a simple dispatch reunion. Seeing her god, Hannah figures they were both invited, so doesn't question that. So she'll just acknowledge him while staying seated. ]

Sir.

[amongthethorns]

[He's tilting his head at this. Sir? Well yes Hannah had been polite but there's something else here a tension.]

Oh. [He breathes the word as it dawns on him bright as morning.] Miss Hannah is Mister Spears your god?

[That explains why William hadn't wanted to bring his Shinki. If he was mistrustful of her it made sense. But she seemed perfectly nice.]

[demonsheath]

He is.

[ And the man was most definitely going out with the expectation that he'd have a day away from all his 'stress.' Which, while things were better, she definitely counted as. ]

If I knew we were both invited, I would have given proper forewarning.

[ Yes, William, that is her apology to you. As close to one as you were getting, at lesat. ]

arrivals;

[untodeath]

Hello, darlings~･ﾟ✧

[ Grell arrives not too long after the requested arrival time, surprisingly! She's rather been looking forward to the event, and even if it's a party amongst familiars, she's still made an effort to dress well.

And, since she couldn't be trusted to contribute to the edible arrangement, she's arrived with a bouquet instead! A lovely display of decoy daffodils and red daisies. ]

[amongthethorns]

Grell!

[Alan is greeting her happily with a bright smile. He's taking in her outfit and nodding his approval.]

You're looking fantastic as always. Maybe we should go shopping together sometime.

[Though he's inhaling softly resting a hand over his heart at the sight of the flowers. No he's not tearing up he's just got an eyelash in his eye or something.]

You brought me flowers?

[untodeath]

Why, thank you~♥. It would be a delight to spend a day shopping together!

[ Grell will just slide closer to Alan, fondly knocking against his shoulder with her own. (Flattery will get you everywhere, Humphries.) ]

Oh, and I couldn't bear to show up empty-handed, you know?

[ Slipping the arrangement into his arms, she dismisses it with something of a shrug. The floral arrangement of daisies and daffodils are customary to celebrate friendship and success; tastefully appropriate for the situation, she would say! The color palette was merely a personal touch. ]

Of course, their splendor pales in comparison to your abundant gardens! Goodness.

[amongthethorns]

So would I. We shall have to make a day of it.

[Laughing he's nudging her back, before brushing his bangs from his eyes.]

Well I did tell you, you needn't bring anything. But they're lovely!

[Alan is taking them gently, shamelessly burying his face in the flowers and inhaling.]

Thank you, these are fantastic. [He grins.] Well it took a good deal of work for some of it. Some of it was already here like the tree.

[demonsheath]

A colleague, I take it?

[ Though Hannah has taken to wearing a maxi dress, having been quite taken with the modern fashions of the world at this point, and also dressing for the weather and type of gathering. While she had been invited as a friend, Hannah was quickly picking up on the more common of themes among the guests.

Aren't you glad to not be the only girl invited here, Grell? Instead of having to bring another along. ]

I saw your gift to Mister Humphries; the flowers were quite lovely.

[untodeath]

[ Well, Grell doesn't typically mind keeping cute boys to herself, but this particular woman is one that she's been wanting to meet, so she'll make an exception!

Brow quirked, a lopsided grin takes to her lips. ]

And you must be William's shinki.

[ Based upon the description of a female demon, she could only assume, anyway. Idly stepping nearer, the redheaded reaper looks her over with a flickering gaze, something of hunger in her eyes. There's a number of things she could do to satiate her appetite-- but, with time. ]

I'm pleased that you thought so. Flowers have the tendency to touch the hearts of een the most wicked women, don't you think?

[demonsheath]

[ Well, Hannah is certainly not unused to being disliked from the moment she meets someone. It seems to often be the case there being a factor that occurred before properly meeting, and thus out of her control. The little dig did nothing to falter the woman's pleasant expression, but it didn't mean that she hadn't caught it. ]

I think it sounds like you must have had quite a unique experience with them, to have given such insight. It's charming how you've put such a personal touch to selecting the flowers you'd be giving Mister Humphries.