16007/Themy-Scare-Ya

Themy-Scare-Ya
Date of Scene:	23 October 2023
Location:	Courtyard and Arena
Synopsis:	We did the mash. We did the monster mash.
Cast of Characters:	Diana Prince, Bruce Wayne, Monet St. Croix, Stephanie Brown, Alura In-Ze, Belinda Gutierrez, Caitlin Fairchild, Cassie Sandsmark, Roberto da Costa, Sally Pride, Jennifer Walters, Donna Troy, Caleb Dykstra, Rien D'Arqueness

---

Diana Prince has posed:
The official start time of the party was 6:00pm, but it is now just after 7:00pm. The sun has already set, and the courtyard and arena are lit up with a wide variety of lights, both natural and otherwise. From candles spread across columns and table spaces, to lanterns of festive Halloween stylings hanging from archways, the Themysciran cultural center is embracing the late October atmosphere.

Furthering this, is the wide array of events taking place in the large open space of the center's courtyard. With a large stage already conducting a musical, and dance concert for a audience gathered around on the seating before the stage. Booths are setup with a number of crafting shows, including all manner of purchasable trinkets and clothing, costumes and treats.

There is even a costume parade that is setting out through the courtyard every few minutes, lead by Kanga riders dressed in their own costumes of ghosts, and mythical monsters. While in the large arena, the sounds of people cheering a combat arts show can be heard reaching heights as the audiences are enthralled by the skills of the Amazons put on display here tonight.

Children and adults intertwine amongst the crowds, with several hundred in attendance in the courtyard area alone, while even more fill the stands of the combat arena.

Wonder Woman is of course one of the many faces seen throughout the host of Amazons mingling amongst the people here tonight. Diana is dressed as Xena, the Warrior Princess, which ... well, it's not that far off from her normal attire. She is currently standing off to the side of the costume parade as it marches by, Kanga riders tossing treats to onlookers, as the long line of costumed followers are handing candies both local and Themysciran in origin to the children who line the central pathway that the costume parade marches down.

Music and revelry is thick in the air, as the night is yet still young on this spooky mixture of local culture with the culture of Paradise Island!

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Making his arrival to the party without the fanfare one might expect is the World's Great Superhero! Clad in a tight, form fitting outfit of blue with a symbol looking like a stylized 'S' emblazoned in red against a background of yellow, this tall figure with an exceptionally sculpted physique trails a red cape behind him. And perhaps as a conceit to the man portraying the role, his large red boots include a bit of a lift, granting a bit of extra height. And certainly, from the way the costume is crafted, likely bespoke to fit the man wearing it, there must be enhancements made to add musculature, transforming the likely fit, but certainly not athletic billionaire Bruce Wayne into...SUPERMAN.

Exchanging greetings with a few of the other luminaries as he makes his way through the entrance, Bruce Wayne is all smiles as he represents the Man of Steel. Although it might be slightly discordant with the image of the Last Son of Krypton to see him almost immediately claim a champagne flute.

But Superman is a hero, and no one will ever confuse Bruce Wayne, playboy billionaire, for that.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
The ever-perfect Monet St. Croix is there as well. She's done up rather differently than usual. Her hair has been set into a pair of well done, elaborate pigtails, and she's wearing a schoolgirl's outfit done gothic lolita style. A pair of contacts have made her pupils midnight black, and some work on her nails with a file has made them look rather sharp. She has on a set of high boots that she's walking around in rather calmly.

A stern, occasionally sadistic looking and annoyed expression meets anyone. Which is.. Also not that different than normal. As she walks about, she would occasionally sneer and if someone would glance her way she would take her fingers up to give them two quick snaps together before walking on, watching the kanga riders with a fairly relaxed glance over in their direction. It was time to enjoy themselves.

And hopefully this one won't have any sort of monster attack.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown has been at the party since not too long after it started. Not showing up early, even if she's jazzed to see Diana again. But not waiting to be fashionably late by any means.

The blond Gotham U coed is wearing a white angel costume. It's pretty simple for a costume. A very elegant white dress, the main hem short but with thick lace that hangs down below that to her knees. A pair of pure white wings and a white halo hovers above her head on a frame so think it could be thought to be floating if one doesn't look closely.

She has a drink in hand and is laughing, talking with someone else from Gotham. One of Dick's friends from his school days that she's met. "He can't make it unfortunately, he's out west and, actually probably is just leaving for the trip back to Gotham," she says.

Stephanie spots Bruce Wayne there across the room, and breaks out in a grin at his Superman costume.

Alura In-Ze has posed:
Hah. This is a little awkward. She realises pretty quickly that Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, has come dressed as her nephew. Because she drops in from the sky and lands with dark cape spread out around her dramatically. She rises slowly, dressed as Batman, though less brooding face. No, she's smiling.

It's not really Batman's armour of course. It's just a costume she knocked together with her futuristic Kryptonian technology. So, technically it is armour after all. "Hey," she says smiling to the nearest person who is looking over her costume with interest.

She looks pleased with herself as she looks about the party. Her thumbs hook in to the belt about her waist. The utility belt pockets contain absolutely nothing of course. She has no need for those kinds of gadgets right now.

The boots give her a nice solid walk and she kind of likes them. This was explained to her as 'cross costuming' or something. But she just wanted to amuse people with her rendition of the dark knight.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
It was tempting, running through all of the possibilities for costumes! Alas-- money limits the greatest of imaginations to the practical. But with a Science Fiction convention only recently passed....

Black and red of security from a Famous SciFi show. Some blue antennae in a headband. False lasergun handset at side. Totally practical!

"...estupido ridiculoso prices," Belinda grumbles quietly, sighing in exhale. Finding solace in so MANY food types! And exercising restraint.

Trying to exercise restraint.

...two plates stacked high with olives and meats and minisandwiches and finger foods.

Restraint.

Caitlin Fairchild has posed:
The Embassy definitely has some of Caitlin's favorite vibes. You can do some rough sparring, get into a good meal, and even-- very rarely-- share some wine with your sisters.

Caitlin is also very conscientious of the fact that she is both America's representative to Themyscira, and part of Themyscira's representation in the United States. In light of this, she's dressed after Athena. Helmet propped on her brow, a spear in hand, and wearing an intricate breastplate over a carefully-fitted white toga. Her red hair sets off the gold of her armor and the bracelets around her wrist.

"Okay, there are five goddesses on Theymscira. You have to find the thing that symbolizes them." She's explaining the scavenger hunt to the kids. "And I don't count! So go with your parents, see who can find all five first," she encourages, and straightens up to clear her throat for the parent's sake. "Themysciran's aren't big on child-proofing," she reminds them. "Assume any bladed weapon is sharp, that everything is breakable, and /don't/ drink the wine unless you want an epic hangover this week," she suggests with a droll amusement. The kids scatter to all points and Caitlin exhales a little sigh of relief while the trick-or-treaters are temporarily occupied.

Cassie Sandsmark has posed:
Woo, it's a party. As customary for these kinds of events, Cassie is all dressed up. Anywhere else, she'd stand out. Here, well, it's a little confusing.

Because she's dressed up in Greek clothing - a stylized doric chiton and its various appropriate accessories - which, to the Amazons, might very well count as just... normal clothing, and not really a costume, per se! But like with all of Cassie's outfits, there's some nerdy backstory that goes with it, no doubt. She's not dressed up as a 'Greek lady,' she's dressed up as some SPECIFIC Greek lady. The biggest hint probably isn't in her outfit, though... it's in her /date./

Circulating through the party at her side is the fearsome Minotaur! And this isn't precisely a costume. She is in fact accompanied by a rather towering and terifying actual living breathing man with the head of a bull. Except, as he'd normally tell you, he's not 'a minotaur,' because THE Minotaur was a specific person, the son of King Minos of Crete. There's a whole thing. Ferdinand, the Themysciran Embassy's head chef is from Kythira. Different place, different dude. Don't get it twisted! But today, rather than his usual white chef's outfit, he's dressed more like the creature of myth, which is to say, rather less dressed, with a bare chest and Minoan-style wrapped kilt-like skirt, among other outfit details. So the kithotaur is the minotaur!

Cassie overthinks costumes. It's a thing! And how she ever got him to agreee...

Presently, the two of them are finishing up a loop as part of the costume parade, before exiting at a convenient point in the tour and moving off to find some food, while occasionally catching thrown candy as it sails through the air. Hyah! No candy getting past her ninja reflexes! Evenutally, they find a banquet table with some food, whereupon her escort immediately furrows his brow and starts scrutinizing the whole mess. "This is not how I instructed these to be prepared, they are-"

"No work talk! You're not the chef today! You're a monster who eats the sacrifices of a tyranical king. We should go chase some children or something!" ... Yes that will definitely not make things worse!

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa wanders in fashionably late, attired in a stylized silver white knight's armor. It looks good, and seems almost practical on the Brasilian solar powerhouse. He takes a flute of champagne from a passing server and speaks casually with several people, as he makes the rounds.

    His Mother had asked him to drop by, always a fan of the Amazons and an archaeologist she has been trying to score an invite but was alas busy. So, Roberto was chosen to represent the family, his mother's. the Gotham branch, not his Father's, the Brasilian branch and the one who's name he bore, families are confusing.

Sally Pride has posed:
Holloween, and October in general, is a good time for those that aren't so human looking... But that doesn't mean Sally Pride has been that lazy. Instead she's scrounged together an approximation of an NASA jumpsuit as a homage to her namesake. So you have a humanoid mutant lioness, dressed up as an astronaut, because she was named after one. Hardlessly the weirdest thing to be seen on Holloween.

But she doesn't specifically know anyone and not just because of the costumes, so for the moment she's just meandering through the gathering and, out of force of habit, trying to not draw any more attention to herself than necessary.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
    There's little more that Jen likes than a good costume party. She's wearing a carefully tattered white dress that hugs her figure, bandages that go up her arms and her hair has been teased into a poof with white streaks in it, all contrasting her green skin. Yes, this year she's sexy Bride of Frankenstein.

    She spies several familiar faces, and heads her way over to the World's Most Eligible Batchlor, Superman. Er. Bruce Wayne. "Hey, Bruce!" she calls out to him, snagging a flute of Champaign. "Lookin' good. How's work and the kids?" It's a double entendre, since she's one of the few people who know about Bruce's secret identity, thanks to her time with the Fantastic Four. "Love the costume. It suits you," she says with a grin.

Donna Troy has posed:
    "Diana, you can't." This had been Donna's plea to Diana when she had found out what costume Diana had chosen. It has been a good few years, but in the early days of the Titans, the rest of Donna's team had spent a good amount of time calling her 'Xena', which puzzled her immensely until they'd finally let her into the joke and shown her a few episodes.

    She hadn't found the joke that funny. Especially because when it came down to it, the nickname they'd given her was uncomfortably close to the truth of the matter! Still time has past, and despite her pleas to her sister she found it funny that Diana was wearing the costume.

    That had been a couple of hours previously, before the party had started. Now it's in full swing and Donna has forgotten all about it. While Diana's going faux Greek myth, Caitlin's going full Greek Goddess and Cassie is... Pasiphae? No ball of yarn, so probably -- Donna has bucked the Amazon trend by showing up in a costume that has a much more American inspiration. Black combat boots, khaki jumpsuit with odd bits of tubing around it, tech goggles and a rather nice prop proton pack on her back, Donna has come as a Ghostbuster. The first movie she ever saw!

    She even has a PKE meter that does its thing when she presses a button, and as she circulates through the crowd, she PKEs anyone she passes who's dressed as a ghost.

Diana Prince has posed:
As the evening deepens, the stage's musical and dance performance takes a dramatic turn. The music crescendos, and the lights dim, giving way to a spellbinding shadow-puppet show. Silhouettes of Amazons, adorned in their regal armor, engage in fierce combat against monstrous creatures beneath the boughs of the Enchanted Forests of Paradise Island.

The audience is treated to quite a show, as the intricate puppetry brings the epic battle to life, with long shadows casting over the stage performers, as they morph in to various shapes of creatures and aggressive combat scenarios play out between the actors and the living shadows themselves!

Diana, watching from afar, has her arms crossed over her stomach, her eyes roaming over the audience. She smiles as she sees familiar faces arriving, and the party staff moving in to offer the newly arrived drinks and treats in honor of their presence.

She'd only laughed at Donna trying to disuade her from doing this costume, all while having her hair done-up to be straight with bangs, no less!

A series of gasps come from the audience viewing the shadow puppetry as the Themysciran warriors on-stage fight off the shadows with a burst of flames!

From the serving stations, Amazons dressed in traditional garb begin to circulate the audience and party attendees with trays of brightly glowing green and blue drinks that they begin to pass out.

Diana's eyes fall upon Cassie, who gets a grin and a soft shake of her head, before she ends up near to Jennifer Walters, offering her a pat to one of her arms. "You look great." The Princess says in a kind tone to her friend.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would give a nod at those in passing that she was familiar with. People were coming and going so it was easy to lose track. She debated a moment whether to go towards Alura or 'Egon' Troia, but decided not to while just watching. She kept a casually sadistic look on her face while gazing around and musing to herself.

Well, here was to hoping that this Halloween wouldn't be a blast. There was enough firepower here to handle most threats so they might actually get to enjoy themselves without interruption.

Keeping up her arrogant air and wandering, going to grab a goblet of some sort of wine and keeping up a sneer. For once, it was in character!

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
From the hallway, a shadowy human-sized figure comes in, so dark that it looks like a cutout of darkness. Any distinguishable feature that would be otherwise noticeable is instead drowned, as just about every bit of light is instead absorbed. Covered from head to toe, this figure uses a hood of the same strange fabric. The only exception to this is what seems like a mask, oval, gold, and reflective in nature, the only indication this... Humanoid would have a face.

It scans over the attendees...

On the contrast, a young lady in her pre-teens enters, dressed in the purest of whites, wearing a leather armor in tones of white and gold, with a golden shield in Ancient Greek patterns (and lettering), and a golden replica of a xyphos; and yes, a helmet in gold as well.

She seems excited to be here - with the dark guy, you can't really tell.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown pauses to watch the puppet shadowplay, clapping when it completes and smiling as she turns to find herself another drink. As she does, Stephanie's eyes fall on Sally Pride. Her head tilts a bit with curiosity as she takes in the costume.

The blond coed in the angel costume makes her way over to Sally. "Great costume," she says. "She was a little before my time, but all the women astronauts were so inspiring," she comments to Sally. "I had a stretch, ok about six months, where I wanted to be an astronaut. Then I found out they are supposed to get good grades," Stephanie says, letting out a soft laugh. "I'm Stephanie," she says, offering Sally Pride her hand.

As she introduces herself to Sally, Stephanie's eyes fall on Roberto there, and her face lights up in a smile for him across the room.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
As "Superman" is greeted by She-Hulk, there is nothing but a broad grin on the face of the "Man of Steel".

"I have no complaints, business has been quiet of late, which is always good." Bruce Wayne raises his flute in salute to Jen. "I hope it has been the same for you. The kids are great, they have really been making me proud lately." He casts his gaze around, offering a nod towards Stephanie, among some of the others. "And thank you. I thought it would be nice to feel like a hero for a day, but I am not quite sure I am quite ready to fill these shoes." He glances down, chuckling. "Or rather, these boots." He looks up at her, and grins broadly. "Although I must admit, it would help me look a _bit_ less ridiculous if I am able to convince you to join me on the dance floor later this evening."

Cassie Sandsmark has posed:
As far as the whole pre-party costume preparations and heated debates... There was talk of Cassie going as Gabrielle, and for most who know the both of them, that would have seemed like the most natural of outcomes. Except... that show is, as the young woman put it, 'a million years old' and she didn't even know what it was when Diana and Donna first brought it up. Granted, that was a problem quickly solved by Google, but even then she wasn't feeling it. In fact, her comment may have been something along the lines of "omg those bangs" followed by several minutes of laughter. Apparently, even her devotion to playing Wonder Woman's faithful side kick has limits SOMEWHERE, and 'bad haircut and a walking stick' was where she drew the line in the sand.

Anyway!

Back in the present, there are trays of mysterious liquid being passed around, and so she nabs a pair of them, handing one up to Ferdinand, who is still looking disapproving over various elements of the party. He's quite a perfectionist when it comes to that stuff. "Stop being a grump. Let's go say hi to some people who aren't the boss."

Jennifer Walters has posed:
    "And you look stunning," Jennifer replies. "I've been to plenty of Halloween parties in my time and I have to say that this one takes the cake!" She gets momentarily distracted by the show and lets out an appreciative, "Ooooh!"

    "Do the Themiscyrans have anything like this back at home?" she asks. "I don't seem to remember there being one."

    Jen's attention shifts back to Bruce. "It's been busy, which is good for me. It keeps the lights on in the office." She gives him a shrug. "I'm not complaining, though. I love what I do, and I would /love/ to dance with you when you want it."

Alura In-Ze has posed:
The mask is cool and all. But having your ears stuffed away and hair all in there is kinda uncomfortable. It doesn't last much longer than may be 10-15 minutes tops before she pulls the cowl back off her head and shakes out her long golden lockes.

She fans herself and then scoops up a flute of champagne. A delicious drink even if she doesn't get the alcoholic affects the humans get. She needs to drink a fair bit of the Amazonian wine to get a buzz on. That was highly encouraged of her when she lived there because it was some what of a game to see how long it'd take before she actually got drunk. Also it was considered training - she must stay in control of those super powers even when intoxicated. At least that's the justification they told her.

A sip of the drink and she begins to mingle. The atmosphere is great. The costumes are fun. It's not too dissimilar to the parties on Themyscira yet with a decidedly American vibe and twist. When two cultures collide might best describe it. Yet, Kara's explanations of this holiday were hardly enough to prepare her for it.

Sally Pride has posed:
At least there's costumes she reconizes even if Sally doesn't know the people. A Ghostbuster, Xena.. okay so the Mutanimals watch a lot of old reruns and classics in their downtime, it's easier to get their hands on. That Bride is a bangup job, and she can't tell from here if the green is makeup or someone taking advantage of an altered state. In the end, doesn't matter, it's a great costume either way.

Then the show starts up. Which has Sally's attention watching, up until someone speaks to her. Her glances to Stephanie with a soft smile. "Well you were able to tell what the costume is so you can't be that bad off." She accepts the hand in one of her semi-pawlike ones and gives a firm shaking. "Name's Sally Pride." She gives it a moment to settle in. "Yes, that's the reason for the costume too." Layers, people. She's just happy she hasn't had to overly explain it.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa concentration is focused on the large orange gourd before him and his face is screwed up in an expression of concentration as he holds the sun's energy and releases it in a concentrated stream ionizing away the surface flesh of the orange gourd and then burning away deeper until an image comes to life in the pumpkin, a man with a broad smile and a well known moustache. It is a fairly accurate line drawing and even has the Detroit Tigers baseball hat. He picks it up smiling and posing with the pumpkin, laughing.

    He sees Stephanie and returns the wave, also offering her a smile. "How did they get you out of Gotham, the boss give you the night off?"

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Celery sticks. Peanut butter. Olives. And those shishkabob-things with the veal! Or lamb. Chicken? Something meaty and edible. Growing on her so far as tastes go! Munching cheerfully, she glances about, eyes exploring the crowd with a pleasant joy... and then--

Rocketcat! ROCKETCAT. And angel. But--!

"Represent!" she offers cheekily across the crowd, marching her way over with a grin of pleasure. Belinda offers the plates of as-yet-untouched foodstuffs offered to the Felinaut and Angel, a third half-empty at hand. "I thought I would be the only one not Greekish themed; should have thought better!"

She halts, grinning as she gives a teasing glance to Stephanie. "Unless going for Amazon Space Ninja Catgirl look? Just add swords!"

She halts in gushing, coughing politely. "Ah, hello. Buen noches, good evening!"

Caitlin Fairchild has posed:
Caitlin's not /quite/ a tee-totaler, but the redhead has personal rules about drinking around anyone she might step on and injure. So it's grape juice for her, along with as many canapes as she can fit on a small plate balanced on top of the goblet in her hand.

It's hard to tell which is making Caitlin uneasier; Stephanie's angelic attire, or Alura dressed as the Black Knight. The decision is made when Alura ditches her hood and Caitlin unconsciously exhales in relief.

Hey, you don't know. Batman might be a blonde chick.

"<M,bem nil>," she greets Alura in Kryptonian. "Your outfit is spot-on," she adds, reverting back to English. "You even get the mean stare working for you. Not that Batman's mean," she hastens to add, suddenly remembering Alura is friendly with The Bat. "Just that he, um, ... /looks/ mean," she tries again.

A life preserver with a PKE walks through her line of sight. "Oh hey! Donna!" she says, and waves a little frantically at Ghostbuster Troia with a 'please save me from myself' expression.

Diana Prince has posed:
As the shadow-puppet show continues, the narrative takes a thrilling twist. The ominous atmosphere envelops the stage, with the glowing green orb casting an eerie, spectral light. A new set of puppets emerges, representing the Themyscirans on a quest to visit an enigmatic 'evil witch' deep within the Enchanted Forests. The tension in the air is palpable as the story unfolds, enthralling the audience with the mysterious encounter that lies ahead...

One of the children in the audience shouts at the stage. "Burn the witch!" which leads to a series of laughter throughout the onlookers. Some, however, shake their heads in disapproval of this, and they so happen to be dressed in Harry Potter themed attire...

Diana grinned to Jennifer, before moving on. "Glad to see you came though." She says back to the big green lawyer.

To Superman, Diana pauses then and smiles at him. "You look wonderful, Mister Wayne. Very glad to see you fly in as well..." She states toward him next, before she turns to wave to some passerbys who call out her name.

Caleb and his sister get a wave too, whether Diana can recognize Caleb or not, she does recognize his younger sibling!

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown flashes a warm smile back to Bruce Wayne when he flashes that acknowledgement over to her. Things have changed over the last three years. From literally being exiled from Bruce's secret crimefighting life, to truly believing she is a part of the family now, and it shows in her smile.

She shakes Sally Pride's hand, and that she realizes it doesn't seem to just be a glove part of the costume gives Stephanie an edge in realizing what's up when Sally explains the costume and her name. "Oh!" Stephanie says, eyes widening and a smile breaking out. "Well that makes it even a better costume, then, Sally," Stephanie tells her warmly, and not seeming put out at all by realizing something of Sally's nature.

Belinda's arrival gets a friendly smile from Stephanie as well. "Isn't it great?" she agrees with Belinda, giving a quick nod.

When Roberto comes over, the Gothamite gives him a smile and moves to give a quick hug. "No boss, just school at this point," she tells him with a grin. "Finally picked a major. Studying to be a forensic examiner," she tells him.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Tilting his head to look up at the World's Tallest Lawyer, Bruce nods at Jennifer's response. "I, personally, would not mind being able to turn out the lights, but I suppose I have a certain privilege when it comes to that." The latter tacked on, of course, to obscure that he is talking about his dream of a crimeless Gotham. "And I believe that there is no time like the present," he says, finishing his flute and placing it upon a passing tray.

He beams a smile at Diana as she arrives. "Ah, thank you, I certainly appreciate the invitation. You look stunning as always." He raises his champagne flute in salute to her as she called. "I will let you attend to your hostess duties, but I would be remiss if I did not ask for a dance before the night is over."

Free of a flute, he extends a hand toward the Bride of Frankenstein. "Shall we?"

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix watches the shadow puppets over then, and instinctively goes to look about for a scale on teh stage and a duck. The witch had to weigh less than the duck after all to be identified as one. That was the way the rule worked.

She would head over towards the Warrior Princess Athena and the Black Knight.

"It appears like the children are enjoying themselves. Good." Her tone a thick, old New England accent, stilted and with each word carefully enunciated as she would go to take a moment to glance at Super Wayne.

Alura In-Ze has posed:
"/ehrosh m-bem/ Caitlin," Alura replies and then gets a somewhat confused look on her face as the brilliant young scientist starts to trip over her own words. Just because she's dressed up as The Bat? A slightly more bewildered look when Caitlin life lines herself away to talk to Donna.

"Alright. Note to self. Caitlin is afraid of Batman," she murmurs to herself. Perhaps this wasn't a great costume idea after all. Alura couldn't pull off dark and brooding even if she tried. Angry, yes. She's done angry plenty of times in her life - where do you think her daughter gets it from. But she is in generally in too good a spirits most days to ever pull off a convincing dark knight. That's possibly the point of the costume after all.

Alura makes her way over to 'Superman' and smiles to Bruce Wayne. "We meet again. Another shindig. If I didn't know better I'd say you're stalking me Mr. Wayne." Kara has been introducing her to too many movies. So many tropes. They amuse the two Kryptonians endlessly.

She offers her flute to Bruce in a 'cheers' motion. "You make a fine Kryptonian. /zhiushod/," she says teaching the billionaire playboy a word from her culture. "But now you know my secret identity. I am.. Batman. Gotham's dark defender."

Donna Troy has posed:
    "Brooding!" Donna tells 'Batman'. "She meant to say brooding, not mean. He looks /brooding/." She gives Alura a wink, then scans the PKE meter up and down Caitlin. It gives a momentary ping and Donna makes a short show of banging the side and scanning her again while looking at her suspiciously. "

    "Hmm, I guess you're not a ghost," she tells Caitlin with a grin. "Otherwise..." she taps the ghost trap hanging from her belt. Presumably another prop like the PKE meter, but you can't be too sure. With Nadia around, it's not wholly impossible that Donna is carrying around some dangerous and experimental piece of technology in the guise of a movie prop.

    Which raises the further possibility that Donna may actually have a small fusion plant on her back masquerading as a Proton Pack, but it's really probably best not to think about these possibilities.

    "You seen Jennifer?" Donna asks Caitlin with a grin. "She's really making it work for her if you know what I mean. Perfect bit of costuming. And I think I saw Dick's girlfriend, but no Dick. "

Sally Pride has posed:
"Dreams are good motivation, even when we decide on a different choice in the end." Then Sally smirks a bit at the 'not Greekish themed' remark. "Yeah, hard to compete with the real deal," she replies with a nod of her head in the direction of Xena Diana, and the local in general. Stephanie not being weirder out by realizing part of her isn't a costume gets another amused chuckle out of her as she accepts one of the snacks from the Belinda offered plate and flicks it into her mouth. "Both of you look great too." Another nod as Steph answers Roberto's question. "That's still a good field too."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Caleb...", Sheila elbows the dark silhouette with enthusiasm - but keeping her voice down, thankfully -, and the mask shifts to face her. "There's Diana! She waved at us!"

<<Hmm?>>, and the figure looks in the same direction Sheila is pointing. <<Oh... Yes.>> A hand is manifested out of that darkness, and a wave is offered - followed by a polite bow.

Hands rest on Sheila's puldrons - in all likelyhood, if he weren't, she'd already be going to Diana. <<Come on, watch the show.>>

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa returns the hug and smile, and nods, "Oh, that's great, so you're going to be a pathologist? Quincy or Ducky?" Yes, everything is explainable in television analogy. He nods, and smiles, "It fits you." Then he takes in the other two with a smile, and the offers to Sally, "Oh, Sally Pride, that's cute, I like it. I have a friend named Pryde, different spelling." He offers his hand easily, "Roberto DaCosta, Steph and I met when we were applying to schools." He nods to Belinda with an easy grin. Berto also seems surprisingly chill with the Sally, it's like he deals with mutants all the time...

Jennifer Walters has posed:
    Jennifer can't help but grin when Bruce's hand is extended to her. "Lets!" she says, taking his hand and quickly draining the Champaign to put it away on a passing tray. She's led out to the dance floor where she she starts to dance with her partner. "The press is going to have a field day with this," she says, sounding more amused than anything else.

    Dancing with Bruce comes easy to her. Despite being seven feet tall and full of muscles, she distinguishes herself from her cousin by the grace she's able to show on the dance floor. While not in the realm of a professional dancer, she'd still be able to keep up with them.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda nods to the others with quiet laughter, falling quiet a moment as she occupies herself with the grave and certain duty-- working through snacks with a singular focus and frenzy. One ear pricked, listening to the conversation; nostrils quivering as she munches with fierce gusto. A sharp interest!

"Is it difficult to get into the colleges?" she asks, swallowing around a lump of lamb (chicken?). "I will be graduating from High School next year," she continues, managing. "And am still looking, mostly. I am told to look for something local, but 'local' could be in New York, or Gotham, or Metropolis even. Perhaps farther afield, no?"

Diana Prince has posed:
A group of children come up to Diana, and begain to converse with her. The tall princess crouches down in front of them, her leather skirt falling around her thighs as she kneels. Each one of the children are given a few moments of attention from Diana, as she compliments their various outfits, some of which have indulged in the Face-Painting on offering here tonight.

One of the children reaches out to tap on the circular shaped Chakram that hangs from Diana's costume belt. It gleams in the ambient fire light provided by the various lanterns and candles scattered around the courtyard. Diana grins then, and moves to stand up again. She speaks softly to the children before removing the Chakram from her hip...

A moment later and Xena Diana tosses the weapon through the air, causing the children, and many others who notice, to turn and watch it spin through the air toward the arena high above. Eventually it comes spinning back, on a course back toward Diana, who in-turn lashes out with the lasso of Hestia!

The golden glowing rope brightens up some of the shadows dancing across the courtyard, before its divine rope snatches the Chakram out of the air, and the Princess draws it back in to her gloved left hand!

The children all giggle, laugh, or clap, and Diana offers them a polite curtsy before they begin to scatter amongst the crowd again!

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie takes a sip of her drink and tells Belinda, "Well, good grades definitely help. I didn't think I was going to get into Gotham U where I'm going to school," she says. "Not with the grades I had. I think maybe I had some people helping speak on my behalf though I'm still not sure, just know I got in."

Or Barbara hacking the admissions department and adding Stephanie to the list. Po-tay-to, Po-tah-to. Not that Stephanie knows for sure.

Stephanie makes introductions then. "Roberto, Sally Pride. Sally, this is Roberto da Costa. Yes, we met when I was still touring campus. His mother is a professor there as well," she says, smiling over to Roberto. Stephanie then offers her own name to Belinda. "I'm Stephanie," she says with a smile.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa smiles and shrugs, "It's easier when you graduate from an elite boarding school and the building that houses the business school has your family's name on the side of it. Though I didn't need to go Rio, it was convenient. Generally, there are schools for everyone, it really depends on what you want for a major. Somethings like Business, are common, other like forensic anthropology are rather rare." Berto smiles, "True, my Mother is the head of the Archaeology department at GU. She's been wanting to speak with Diana or one of the Amazon historians about Nova Roma.

Sally Pride has posed:
Sally Pride uses the hand she didn't pick up food with to continue the introductions. "A pleasure. And in the end, getting that extended education is more important than where from, in the end." She's quick to grab a drink glass off one of the passing Amazonian waitresses' tray afterwards. "I got the equivilent to ... advanced military training lets say." And the less details drudged up about it the better. Instead she takes a drink from her glass. Regards it afterwards. "Not bad. I like the colors." Her tail flicks lazily, with others being comfortable around her she's pretty calm as well.

Caitlin Fairchild has posed:
"Would a ghost do... this?" Caitlin holds a hand up, reaches out, and boops Donna's nose.

"Boop!"

But to make it up to her, Caitlin immediately offers her plate of canapes to Donna to help herself. "Swear to Mother, Jen could make a flour bag look good," Caitlin agrees, and gives Jen an envious once-over and little sigh. "Even her hair looks good. This?" She turns back to Donna and points at her curling hair. "I spent *hours* curling this. And it doesn't look right at all."

"Oh wait, that's Richard's dad, isn't it?" Caitlin says, finally putting a face to the 'Man of Steel' now dancing with the green lawyer. "Golly, I know Richard's adopted, but he sure has that same kinda charm. Isn't it weird how all four of 'em look so much like Mr. Wayne? He's so nice, too," she observes pleasantly.

Cassie Sandsmark has posed:
"Jeez, what a showoff!" That's Cassie's commentary on Diana's trick throw show.

While she does her very best to look unimpressed with the whole display, Ferdinand does the very opposite, offering a round of applause that is loud and booming, given that his hands are kind of gigantic. She lightly kicks one of his hooves in turn. In fact, after this, she gives a little huff and turns and walks off, leaving him to continue being awed by the shows and judging the pastries. Huff, huff, huff.

Storming off, she ends up passing some of the other youngsters, conviently overhearing something of relevance and stopping beside Sally, Steph and co, although it's Roberto that she suddenly addresses. "...Amazon historians? You want me to go find my mom? That's basically what she does, and she's gotta around here somewhere."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda chews quickly, a swift mandibulating before she swallows; she shuffles the plates about to balance on one arm as she gestures. "Belinda Gutierrez," she explains, "Attending Happy Harbor from New Mexico. I still cannot believe it has been more than a year now." She listens intently, nodding to herself. "Grades. Well, I shall keep fingers crossed and hope! Mostly hoping that plenty of extracurriculars help with maths." She sighs, groaning softly. "Mate`maticas. So much wrong. So much Greek! Not enough numbers, but all too many letters."

She sighs theatrically, glancing back with a sparkling interest. Tail! And-- her nose quivers again at the drink, a faint grimace crossing her features. "Mi advi-- my advisor also talked about military service," she adds, "But collegia would still be important too. Hoping to do something in space one day. Not fly the Shuttle or anything, but...."

She trails off, sighing wistfully. "I am blabbering."

Stephanie Brown has posed:
"Well this would be the place. You should have talked Nina into coming," Stephanie says, apparently knowing his mother on a first name basis, the others might assume.

Stephanie takes a sip of her drink and turns as Cassie stops by them. She motions towards Cassie as she looks at Roberto as if to say, case in point.

A warm grin seems to tell Belinda that she's not blabbering, or it is ok if she is. "So Sally, what do you do?" she asks. "Are you going to school or working somewhere?" she asks, really having no clue how old Sally is. She seems like a mature enough lion to Stephanie. But not like the blond would know!

Donna Troy has posed:
    Donna arches an eyebrow at the boop, but is mollified by the peace offering, and accepts a few canapes from Caitlin. "You did fine with yours," she assures her old friend. What is it with Caitlin worrying about her hair? When they first met she was pretty much the exact opposite. The first gift Donna ever gave to Caitlin was a hairbrush.

    "Jen would make for a huge bag of flour," Donna comments. "But yeah. You know, you tall people have an advantage when it comes to showing off your costumes. Mind you Cassie has poor Ferdinand dressed up as a Minotaur, that's got to be the laziest costume here!" She smirks a bit before following Caitlin's indication of Bruce. "Oh yeah. Bruce Wayne, dressed as Superman. That's ahh..." She smirks a little but says nothing. "We should go say hi to him when they stop dancing. Unless you're scared."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Caleb/The Faceless One watches the children approach Diana and...

Screw it. He's not holding Sheila from going to the Princess of Themyscira if the other kids are. <<Okay, go...>>

It's amazing how the non-powered can become speedsters through the power of fandom, because next thing you know... She's there! She gasps at the throw, and her eyes go starry. "Amazing..."

Caleb sighs under his mask, and approaches, <<Apologies, Princess.>> His voice is distorted, most likely by a vocoder. <<She wanted to dress in a fashion fit of a goddess, and instead, the takes it after Hermes...>>, he jokes.

To any others here assembled by Diana, he greets politely. <<Hello.>>

Diana Prince has posed:
As Diana turns away from the children she'd just 'showed off' for, she notices Cassie stomping away. Ending up beside Ferdinand a few seconds later, she pats him on his right arm. "I am glad you came out to this tonight. I am sorry if Cassie is in a steamed mood. I believe it is my doing, as I should have picked a costume that had a better counterpart for her to play off of."

Surely that's what is upsetting young Cassie Sandsmark, the fact that once she saw Xena's sidekick, she was totally checked out on the idea of a connected cosplay duo for the night.

The Kithotaur huffs before shrugging his massive shoulders toward the Princess.

Across the courtyard, the Costume Parade begins again, and soon the long line of Ghostly Kanga, and Wicked Riders are leading a procession of ghoulish followers mixed with fanciful attires of all manner of pop-culture, and otherwise, references!

People begin getting pelted with candies! Especially if they're not paying attention!

Cait takes a tootsie roll to the side of her head!

Bruce gets a Payday Fun Size to the back of his dome!

Jennifer Walters has posed:
    Jennifer just basks in all the attention that's being given to her. "We have an audience," she says quietly to Bruce, amusement in her voice. Not that either of them are strangers to such attention.

    She's distracted when a chakram goes flying overhead and is caught by a glowing lasso. "Showoff!" she calls out from the dance floor with a laugh.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
"Let us hope this one ends a bit better than the last one." Bruce Wayne tips his head towards 'Batman', engaging her with a warm smile. "We shall have to at least take a photo together later, the kids would not let me hear the end of it if I passed on a photo op with Batman. They all love Batman." He pauses, adding. "I think, anyway." He flashes a grin. "But for now, I have a Bride of Frankenstein to sweep off her feet." A glance towards Jen. "Or maybe vice versa."

Slipping away from Alura with the Sensational She-Hulk, Bruce does his best to match her graceful movements. "Don't they always have a field day with you?" replies Bruce, playing off the press' interest in him. Certainly, anyone dancing with the Jade Giantess would receive attention. He slips an arm around her back - reaching significantly upwards to avoid an inappropriate placement, given their height differential - and whisks along with her on the dance floor.

Caitlin Fairchild has posed:
"Why not? He's been nice every time I've talked to him," Caitlin tells Donna. "I mean, I haven't talked to him /a lot/, but... still, nice," she continues. "...Maybe after he and Jen stop tearing up the dance floor. Golly, how does she /move/ like that?" Caitlin mutters with a flicker of envy. "In those shoes, no less!"

A Tootsie Roll hits the side of her head. Caitlin blinks in surprise and starts looking around, frowning. "What on earth-?" A bundle of feathers and rotors zips through the air and intercepts the tootsie roll, and flies upwards to land atop a statue. Even Caitlin's drone is doing its part, dressed as Nike. It unrolls the treat and starts lapping at it with a metal proboscis.

"Diana's throwing food!" Caitlin gasps, and starts casting around for something to return fire with. ".... everything on my plate looks too good to throw," she laments a moment later.

Alura In-Ze has posed:
Alura laughs and nods to Bruce, "Photo-op it is." She then gives Donna a smile and nod, "Brooding. I'll have to work on it." She continues to mingle with people. It seems with each adventure out in to the world the heroes around her grow in fame. The earliest heroes really started something. Clark in particular. There's no turning back the clock on this heroic movement now.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana catches a few pieces of candy from the Costume Parade as it marches on by, Kanga leaders leading it on to the far side of the event here in the expansive central courtyard of the Arts Center. It is then that she turns around to see Caleb, and his sibling near to her. She smiles at them both, nodding once toward Caleb before Diana crouches down to one knee before his sister. She offers both of her hands out then, leather wrapped palms holding a number of pieces of candy she'd just caught from the Costume Parade procession.

"I think you both look perfectly festive for the evening." She says to them both, a big smile upon her red hued lips, her straight hair flowing gently in the wind, including those sweet bangs she's sporting over her forehead for the night.

Diana hands the candy to Caleb's sister, should she wish it. "Have you had a chance to see all of the crafting shows being put on? Perhaps some authentic Themysciran jewlery will help make tonight an even more special occasion?" She asks both of them as she looks from one to the other with a sincere and warm expression upon her facial features.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
People are enjoying themselves. That's good. Monet St. Croix looks relaxed - well, as much as her Addamses getup would permit her to do without doing something that would terrify the childrene njoying themselves. The expression goes stilted for just a moment for whatever reason. And Monet St. Croix goes to just start to hum over as she would be murmuring under her breath. The tune is over in French if one were to pick up on it.
    But alas, she is no Tish.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda glances shiftily as Caitlin bemoans lack of culinary ammunition. Stare down at plate; don't say anything, don't say--!

"...the food tables have olives," she remarks sotto voce, plucking one of said items from her plate, popping it between her molars to chew extravagantly. Mmmm! So delicious. And not at all properly tossable.

Innocent.

An ear more fully on the local conversings, she frowns briefly, nodding in thought. "He was-- is-- a veteran himself, so that might be bias on his part," she admits reluctantly, idly playing about with a shish (with the kabob promptly chomped off beforehand). "And no need to fly things! Just going to space, stepping out on la Luna, gazing at the full Earth...."

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa grins at Cassie and raises his eyebrows, "I'm pretty sure she has Dr. Sandsmark's number. They have written a few papers together." He offers Cass a dap, lifting the faceshield of his armor to make himself more recognizable, "I still remember Mom dragging me up to Metropolis to meet with your Mom, her office was amazing and Nina was so excited for your Mom when Themyscira went public." He smiles but frowns and shakes his head his head as he turns to Belinda, "Don't go military. They cannot be trusted. I would go science or engineering for that, probably the latter. The world needs more engineers. I just employ a lot of them, not as many as some." Berto glances over at Wayne, his face a blank mask. Then he glances towards Stephanie, "Not as many as some, but we can't all be the first-born scion of a major international city." Rio's favorite son has a smirk as he says it.

    Then he stops and regards Sally, "I think that's a thing with certain private schools, military training, mine focused on tactics and strategy. survival, very crunchy granola." He chuckles and corrals a passing tray, offering drink to the group.

Donna Troy has posed:
    Without really thinking what she's doing, Donna flicks an arm up and another Tootsie Roll hits her wrist with clunk that betrays hidden metal under her costume. Just because you're being a Ghostbuster doesn't mean you have to stop being an Amazon. The Tootsie Roll bounces somewhere into the crowd, probably landing in someone's champagne.

    "Don't waste, eat," Donna tells Caitling. "But also, no more wallflowering!" She puts a hand on Caitlin's back and gently but firmly pushes her through the crowd to go greet people. It's easy to spot Ferdinand over the heads of the crowd, so she steers Caitlin that way to greet the Kithotaur and spend a few moments exchanging pleasantries. Ferdinand points the pair to where Cassie had gone, so next Donna guides her over to where Cassie has gone to greet Roberto, Sally and Steph.

    "Hey everyone, enjoying the party? Nice costumes!" She waves her PKE meter towards Sally. "Space cat! Nice."

Diana Prince has posed:
Candlelight dances across ancient columns and festive lanterns, casting enchanting shadows upon the cobblestone pathways. Laughter and music intermingle, carried on a gentle breeze, as a concert unfolds on the grand stage, drawing an audience to its enchanting melodies.

Booths, adorned with crafting displays, offer a wide array of Themysciran-inspired trinkets, clothing, costumes, and delectable treats, while the main pathway that leads to the combat arena has the sounds of resonating applause eminating from the Amazonian Warrior show taking place within it.

Cassie Sandsmark has posed:
"I'm Cassie, by the way..." the young woman continues on, traliing off slightly. Sometimes people recognize her at events like this one, but she's out of costume and... still just the sidekick, 90s bangs or no! However, it seems like Roberto has her at something of a disadvantage here, in terms of knowing who she and her mom, and maybe everyone else, is! All those fancy pants connections. "Uh, oh, she does? They did?" She blinks once or twice. "Well..." It seems like she's not sure where to go with the topic from there next, and eventually settles on: "She's dressed up as Harriet Boyd Hawes, if you want to say hi." Evidently her mom follows the Cassie school of 'nerdy, incomprehensible costumes.'

Then somewhat abruptly, she looks back over her shoulder, toward where Donna was talking about Ferdinand and his own costume, although she's closing in by the time she looks back. "Hey! I got him to wear a skirt! I feel like that's quite an accomplishment and we should all be a bit grateful to me for it."

Sally Pride has posed:
Sally Pride makes a face for a moment. She doesn't really want to bring up the details of how she got trained, but no one really asks more details. She does nod along with Roberto's reply. "There's more to space than flying the shuttle. Hell, the potentials are as vast as space itself is." Sally points a finger at Belinda, "And contrary to what they might say, you do -not- need military work to be an astronaut. It's just a common path through piloting. And despite that being the thing I trained for, I'd dare the scientists are more important." Though when asked what she does, she does take pause for a moment. It's not a subject that's easy to bring up in public. "I.. guess you would say it's somewhere between mercenary and bounty hunter? You know, deal with the things normal people can't handle as well." Which probably applies to quite a few people here tonight, but she's not privy to those.

Then the PK meter is pointed at her and does it's thing. Her tail flicks, and she makes a mock snarly face at Donna, playing along. "Be careful with that or I'll spit cosmic hairballs at you!"

Caitlin Fairchild has posed:
Caitlin grumbles theatrically at Donna's prodding, but it's true; she's falling back on old habits and pigeonholing her friend inadvertently. Fortunately, Caitlin is not the shy girl she was when they first met, and she compliments the kithotaur on his ensemble before joining the little foursome congregating near by. It's just in time to catch Cassie's statement and she grins at her Amazon sister. "He's got the legs for it," she agrees with a genial humor.

"Oooh, are we talking piloting?" Caitlin inquires, looking at Sally curiously. "In-air or outside the exosphere?" It's turning into a weirdly legitimate question among the aviation community these days....

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Sheila reaches out for the candy - and of course, Caleb has no objections. He eats it happily.

<<Speaking of jewelry, Princess...>> The cloaked form of Caleb moves, and an object cand be seen inside the cloak in contrast to the darkness of his costume. <<Though it is not a jewel, I would like, having used my skills as a tinkerer and smithy...>> He pulls out the object which is revealed to be a sword.

No. Not just a sword - a xiphos.

<<To present this replica of the ancient Hellenic sword, the xiphos, to you and the Themyciran Arts Center, as a token of gratitude for patience and kindness to two siblings who have learned much since their enrollment to this fine establishment.>>

And he presents it, handle-first to Diana.

Rien D'Arqueness has posed:
A short blonde in a blue crushed velvet jumpsuit with shorts and over the knee matching boots, along with big 70s hair and makeup steps out from the direction of the bathroom. She was always here, right? Totally! Just... in the bathroom. Totally didn't just arrive and slip inside quietly.

Moving towards the refreshments table, the Felicity Shagwell wannabe gets herself a drink and a small plate, trying to help sell that she was totally here the whole time. There are some famous faces that she can't help but recognize, and some newer faces that are watched curiously before making her way slowly around the room.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa frowns as a tootsie roll plunks into his Champagne, "... well, that's a waste." H eplaces the flute on a tray and snags another. He nods to Sally, "Yes, personally I think space commerce is about to explode with the Starport as an opportunity there are markets opening up that are ripe for exploration. "We'll definitely need pilots from a variety of different backgrounds, you could look for jobs on the starport itself, maybe with the Amazons or Atlanteans, maybe the Wakandans... I run a bar, so not so much for the piloting opportities but even spacers need to eat, you could be a cook. Our head chef is from off-world." He nods to the new arrivals.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
    "They can't get enough of me," Jen tells Bruce with a laugh. "I encourage them, though. There was that one time they put me on the cover of Time Magazine with me dressed up as Lady Justice. Everybody had a field day with that one."

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would take a moment to look over at Rien and would go to roll her eyes very t hrooughly, and then go to speak in the voice of the girl who put the ennui, the meh, the ultimate excalamation of general disinterest in the state of all things, "Whatever." Sent over in the direction of Rien as she does a spot on imitation of the lady of Morgendoffer's fame.

"You look ridiculous even by the standards of here." Apparently someone had finally drawn her out of her shell. Or snark.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana stands up again before Caleb can present the weapon to her. When he does, she eyes it for a lingering moment before she accepts it. She lets her eyes study its surface before she regards him again, a soft smile showing upon her ruby red lips before she holds the sword horizontally in front of her leather clad form.

"Thank you." She says quite softly back to him. "It looks quite impressive in design, very lovely." She notes with a finger gently stroking the handle before she bows slightly toward him and his sister. "I will see to it that it finds a display place befitting its greatness. Truly a delightful surprise."

She lets her happy expression shift softly in to a playful grin before she nods to them both. "Make sure to explore the party thoroughly tonight before you leave. I believe you both will find a lot of fun to be had." The Princess says back to them before she steps away, taking the gifted sword with her.

At the grand stage, the culmination of the play ray comes in the form of the Themysciran warriors confronting a wizard at the peak of a mountain's top! It is here that lightning flashes light up the whole of the courtyard, as the warriors must defeat the evil wizard who uses his magics to crush pillars on-stage, and emit cackling laughter at his female foes!

The audience is clearly enraptured by all of this...

More candy flies from the Costume Parade marching through the pathways of the courtyard as well.
Heads up!

Donna Troy has posed:
Donna gives Cassie a broad grin. "Yes, I have to admit I'm impressed you got him in a skirt," she says. "Though I'm glad for her sake Kaida couldn't make it today, she might have got quite a view." It's not that Donna buys Cassie's grateful thing for one moment, but on the other hand she does adore Cassie, so she'll give this one to the young Amazon.

    "Cosmic hairballs!" Donna responds to Sally's joke threats with obvious amusement. "That's an awesome power. Cait, do we know anyone else who can spit cosmic hairballs? I know someone who regularly spits glitter hairballs, but that's entirely his own fault."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda nods to Cait-- double takes! /Knows/ that Caitlin!

"Ah--," she manages, momentarily nonplussed. "To the Moon and beyond, so.... exo-outer-atmospherey?"

She blushes hotly, furiously. Her turn to look up at someone!

"Si, I mean-- yes, I have heard many stories. There was the Spaceport thing, and the local stories about Earth spaceships, shuttles, rockets, probes, things. Though nobody will say for sure if the Batman has a secret Mooncave Base, which I am *certain* he does! How else would he get everywhere so quickly?"

She shakes her fist, vowing firmly. And quickly reaching up, snatching a mini-candy bar from the air as it sails through. Chocolate nommage GO.

"Cothmik hurrblls?" she adds, with the precisely proper and ladylike training of deepest New Mexico. "Mmmrph."

Rien D'Arqueness has posed:
"The 70's were ridiculous. A 90's movie about the 70's even moreso. But since you couldn't come up with anything more creative than Morticia Addams... I wouldn't expect much from you anyways," Rien lifts her glass towards Monet before turning towards the stage where the play is reaching it's climax.

Deftly, she sidesteps the shower of candy from the parade, plucking a chocolate coin from the air and heading towards the talk of the Spaceport.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would give a low glare over at Rien for a moment but in a relaxed sort of way - the woman wasn't a friend, but she was part of the eccentric milieu that made up the ongoing absurdities of existence. "Spoken like someone whom has never actually bothered to watch Clueless." She would say over in the Morgendoffer Monotone, looking up and over to the stage as she would avoid the temptation of grabbing any candy.

"Shame it doesn't have any razor blades." Falling back over into character.

Cassie Sandsmark has posed:
"The Starport's super cool," Cassie echoes on in agreement, turning from Robert to Sally and Belinda as the conversation drifts. "Should definitely go and see it, if you haven't been. There's actually aliens staying there most of the time now, and even some of the prototype ships from Earth are just, well, out of this world." Too obvious? "Nevermind Diana's plane... though it's alien."

However, with Caitlin showing up, she cedes any serious discussion of the ships, piloting, and so forth to the experts. Instead, she sticks to the topic she knows better: Ferdinand's sexy legs. "Right?!" Then a blurted laugh at Donna's remark.

It also causes her to none too subtly scan around the room. "Where'd he go anyway? I saw him and Di earlier..." Yeah he's actually not hard to spot, what with the whole '8 foot tall and horns' thing. So spotting him isn't hard. Eventually she does. "Uh, 'scuse me..."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana had been crossing the courtyard when she'd met up with Ferdinand again, who intercepted her. The large Kithotaur extended a large hand to her, as well as asked her a question.

It was only mere moments later that the pair were out in the dance area, moving together to the beat of the music being played across the cobblestone dance floor, the bodies moving about upon it illuminated by the hanging lanterns that gently swayed in the night wind coming across the Center and its elaborately decorated grounds.

Uh oh, Cassie's date was dancing with her mentor!

Sally Pride has posed:
Sally Pride oofs at Roberto's luck. "Tch, ruining a drink. Or the candy. That's a party foul either way." She catchs a candy tossed in her direction, and tucks it into a pocket. There's plenty of other foodstuffs to be chowing down on right now. "I've not had a chance to pilot anything beyond orbit -yet-. Bu--" Then she stops. Her mind rewinding a bit to catch up with the other branches of conversation. It's a good thing she wasn't finishing her drink at the moment or there would of been spittakes following. "Wait wait waaaait, since when is there an actual spaceport??"

Caitlin Fairchild has posed:
Donna's question is met with the only logical response: a blank, hapless expression. "...Oh, wait, I'm sorry, was I supposed to make a joke there?" Caitlin laments. She shakes her head and turns her attention back to Sally and Belinda.

"The... Spaceport? It's been around for a while now. Coming up on a year, come to think of it," she says after some thoughtful ceiling-searching. "They do regular tours out there, now. You don't have to be a special diplomatic emissary anymore. You should go!" she encourages Sally. Belinda gets a nod as well (it's obvious Caitlin doesn't recognize her yet). "I imagine the next thing we will see will be a moon base," Caitlin predicts. "It just makes sense to have an outpost off of Earth's surface for trade and whatnot. We've seen such a huge uptick in alien activity in the last few years, and now we're making a lot of peaceful contact with other species. Isn't that wild?!"

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda glances towards Sally in momentary sympathy. "I did not know either, until a very short while ago," she explains apologetically. "If not connected with goings-on of world and news, it is easy to miss. Buried under headlines and stories of other things that are not local." She griamces, pausing, considering as she taps her chin. "Though I think there was one about Latveria and a Space Elevator, too. I do not know if it ever took off?" She shrugs helplessly, bowing her head, blushing warmly as she glances aside.

Not recognized, thank goodness. Although not eight feet tall and fuzzy. Or soaked by tsunamis!

"Moon base?" she inquires, glancing up again, gaze refocused with sharp intensity. "Am so totally there. No moonbases without me!"

Donna Troy has posed:
    "Well there's already the Watchtower," Donna contributes to Caitlin's explanations. "The Justice League moonbase. That's pretty cool, but yeah we really need something more general purpose. A civilian moon base is the obvious next step." Maybe an Amazon moon base. Donna's ambitious.

    She gives Sally and Belinda a bright grin."But yeah. You should absolutely visit the starbase. We have a shuttle from Manhattan running there every day, and it's is absolutely open to sight-seers..." a nod to Belinda. "... and potential pilots!" Another to Sally.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Enjoying the festivities, Caleb/The Faceless (One) and the Warrior Goddess mix into the crowd eventually - and for the remainder of the evening, they can have one peaceful day and not having to look over their shoulders...

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa excuses himself as he sees someone he recognizes, setting his champagne flute on a tray, he approaches Monet with an easy, casual gait, "So, Daria, I know your totally over this place and any sort of expression of platonic affection, much less one so patriachally embedded as a dance, but would you do me the honor?" He gives Monet a formal bow and offers his hand.

Rien D'Arqueness has posed:
"You're right, I haven't. Why, is it a documentary about you?" Rien asks sweetly of Monet before reaching the group talking about the space port.

Offering a small nod to Cassie, Belinda, Sally, and Roberto, she asks, "Does anyone know if they've made a designated arrival area for visitors incoming without benefit of a ship? Having a.. a terminal, or gate, for those teleporting or portalling in would be handy, especially if it could be marked out and warded ahead of time."

Sally Pride has posed:
"Huh... and yeah, what she said." Sally jabs a thumb towards Belinda. "Sometimes it's hard to keep in the loop on even big news things when you work mostly on the skirts of society. But definitely something I'm going to have to check out when I get a chance. Live up to the name properly." She laughs, then resumes working on finishing her drink.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would glance over at Roberto, "NO, I will not." She would offer over in a flawless deadpan over while looking at Rien for a moment.

"You'll have to be somewhat more specific than that. However.." She would gesture over at Diana thenw hile looking at Roberto. "You can, however, refill my drink."

Cassie Sandsmark has posed:
Indeed, Cassie is already on a bit of a stomp-stomp-stomping path across the courtyard, and in Diana's direction. All the star talk is left behind!

Fortunately for the guests, the general sense of celebratory holiday cheer, the safety of the many children and the structural integrity of all those pretty columns, she doesn't go all Chosen of Ares crazy temper, no Jersey Shore style dramasplosion. Indeed, whatever drama it is probably goes unnoticed by most of the crowd.

There's no confrontation at all, really. They're allowed to dance! However, she does make her own presence very obvious, staking out a place on the edge of the dance area in full view and standing there, arms crossed. Staaaaare! "Gee it would be nice if someone asked _me_ to dance."

Subtle, Cassie!

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
For herself, Belinda nods with quick, fierce agreement with Sally. SPACEPORT.

"Wait," she adds, glancing quizzically, subject diverted. "The Justice League has a Moonbase too? I always heard that their Watchtower, it was--"

She checks off her fingers, raising each in turn. "--a museum in Metropolis, a mountain on the coast, an octopus-shaped building in Lousianna, or a giant orbital space station with laser guns and protected by a magic Omega Gong. Or just Green Lantern's storage garage for all his confiscated space stuff."

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa hides a grin, as he nods and does as asked and returns with a fresh drink, "Here you go, glad at least the refreshments meet your approval then."

Diana Prince has posed:
On the grand stage: The Themysciran warriors finally trick the Wizard in to attacking himselff, causing his entire mountain peak temple to crumble down upon himself. The audience begins to applaud with a standing ovation, as the stage actors reach a line together, and begin to bow to the gratitude being displayed to them by the people who have been observing the play. The music swells to signify the end of the main event, and dancers soon move back out on the stage to begin their routines once more.

In the arena, more cheers filter out as a archery competition begins, with archers firing upon flaming pumpkins afixed to a number of challenging targets, and a announcers voice can be heard over a loud-speaker, to help keep the onlookers involved.

On the main walkway, the performers and actors from the main play begin to mill about with the general audience and guests, mingling and greeting those who'd enjoyed the show.

Diana and Ferdinand end their dance, and together they walk toward where Cassie is not-so-subtely glaring at them both. Diana smiles toward her sister, and steps to her side, as Ferdi bows gracefully toward the young Sandsmark. He thusly offers her his hand, and the next dance.

"We were just remarking on how lovely you look tonight." Diana tells her sister with a grin before she squeezes her shoulder, and moves to let the Kithotaur and her protege indulge in a dance of their own!

Diana steps away from the dance area then, moving toward where Donna, Caitlin and the others are now, the sword Caleb had gifted her hanging from the harness of her Xena attire, she smiles to them as she steps up toward them, accepting a glowing blue drink from one of the Themysciran serving staff.

"Everyone having a good time?" The Princess asks of the small group before she takes a sip of the bright drink.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would smile over at Roberto, "Why thank you Gomez." She goes over to give him a quick kiss over on the cheek before turning her way up and over to the stage. "At least they're not juggling fire while riding the kangas." She goes to start to clap her hands over along to the song then as the dance goes on. Her clapping isn't -quite- the same over to match the beat playing, and it's at a softer tempo so as to not be interruptive. It matches more that of a take where daggers would be flipped back and forth. OF course.

Caitlin Fairchild has posed:
Caitlin's hands are a little too full to greet Diana properly, but she does offer her a one-armed hug as the Princess approaches. "This performance was absolutely amazing," Caitlin assures Diana. "The whole thing, I saw all the visitors were just spellbound. Maybe if the Princess thing doesn't work out, you've got a fallback career on stage," she tells Diana with a playful grin.

"Here, this is...." Caitlin gestures at Sally and Belinda, and a look of shock crosses her fair features. "Holy Hera, I have been so rude. I didn't introduce myself," she apologizes. "I'm Akaterine. Caitlin, Fairchild," she amends a beat later. "Depending on whether I'm in the Embassy or not. And this is of course, Princess Diana," she says, gesturing at the towering Wonder Woman.

"This chick, I don't know. She showed up one day stealing food from the kitchen, so we kept her," Caitlin explains, and gestures surreptitiously at Donna.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
After sharing a dance with the Sensational She-Hulk and snapping a quick photo with Batman, it is time for the Man of Steel to go Up, Up, And Away!

As courtesy would demand, Bruce Wayne seeks out Diana. "A fantastic gathering, thank you again for the invitation." He turns his head to the side and plants both fists on his hips. "But I am afraid that crime does not sleep, and the longer I linger here, the lengthier its shadow grows in my fair city!" he delivers in a deeper, more enunciated tone, as if speaking in a film serial.

Relaxing his posture, he leans in towards Diana, offering a few additional murmured words, inaudible over the din, before taking another step back. "Have a great evening, and enjoy the rest of the party!"

And with that, "Superman" makes his way to the exit, powered by his own two feet.

Cassie Sandsmark has posed:
"Don't I?" Cassie shoots back, reaching to flare one of the folds of her ancient-styled dress.

See? Everything's fine! Cassie beams a bright smile back at Ferdinand and reaches to take his rather comically larger hand, whereupon the pair make their way out onto the dancefloor to cut a proverbial rug. Don't underestimate those hooves!

"... still think we have better music at the club on the island, though." Of course, Cassie can't help herself but to get a little dig in on Diana's musical tastes.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
"Yes'm," Belinda states quickly, eyes widening as she holds her breath. For the second time in as many years-- Wonder Woman! Suddenly self-concious, she warms to a deep rose, hunting desperately for a flat place to set all-too-empty plates aside!

"It has been magnifico, spelndid, magnificent. I am grateful to attend a formal gathering rather than just coming by with Morgan again." She affects every stiff movement, trying to sketch a bow/curtsey/salute/something-seen-in-a-film somewhere.

"Gracias, very much!"

Donna Troy has posed:
    Donna greets Diana with a quick one-armed hug, a once over with the PKE meter, and a little nudge. "Don't think I didn't catch that Sister! Tormenting poor Cassie like that. Don't you know how much she was looking forward to dancing with Ferdinand? Especially after the effort she went to getting him to wear a pretty skirt."

    There's coming and going, and Donna takes a moment to wave a farewell to Bruce and a greeting to Rien, who she hasn't bumped into since angels were a thing, but she's got a good memory.

    Donna nibbles more canapes, but realizes something is missing. "Diana, where's the booze? It's that time of the evening. We need to get Caitlin drunk."

Diana Prince has posed:
When Bruce approaches, Diana greets him with a happy smile. That costume is just hitting her in ways she can't even vocalize here, which is likely the intent, right? She leans in to listen to his soft spoken words before she nods softly to him. "Thank you for coming. Some time I will have to make my way back to Gotham, and see that lovely city of yours again. It has been far too long." She says in a happy style.

A second later and she is returning the embrace from Caitlin, before offering a bow to those she's being introduced to. "I hope that the festivities have entertained this evening." She says in a soft tone of her naturally husky voice. She casts another grin toward Caitllin before a over-the-shouldr glance is sent toward the grand stage. "Oh, I had nothing to do with all of that. That is a product of our library, and the results of people with great skill going through the works found within. They have turned them in to productions such as that, to ... well ... bring new avenues of fun to the Arts Center."

Another look is given over her opposite shoulder toward where Cassie and Ferdinand are dancing, almost as if her advanced hearing picked up on that little 'barb' from her sister. But she lets it slide, and instead, she looks back to her OTHER sister who is offering a embrace next. Diana indulges in it, returning it with a grin. IT is then that she looks Donna over head-to-toe.

"What are you? Some kind of exterminator?" She asks, in a moment of irony.

Sally Pride has posed:
"Name's Sally," the lioness dressed as an astronaut replies as another string of introductions go around. She hands off her empty glass to one passing waitress, and snatchs another from a second that didn't empty their tray yet. The new glass she holds up in a saluting fashion towards Diana. "It's been quite the party indeed." Then works on drinking it down.

Caitlin Fairchild has posed:
Caitlin's all smiles and polite little curtsies when Belinda and Sally introduce themselves. The status of the towering redhead is a little up-in-the-air; she looks Irish, has a Midwest accent, but is wearing the same gold bracelets as the rest of her sisters. There is something convivial and warm-hearted about her despite her periodic verbal mis-steps.

At the mention of 'wine', Caitlin balks a little and looks around. The party seems to have thinned out a bit save for friends of the embassy and people making an effort to engage with the event. Decision made, she thins her lips and sets her drink and empty plate aside. "I'm not getting drunk, but I'll have some wine," Caitlin relents, and gives Donna a Meaningful Look. As in, 'don't let me step on anyone'.

"But I want some of that /rodi/ wine, the stuff Dessa bottled up," she clarifies, with an upticked finger in Donna's direction. "I hold you personally responsible for not telling me about fruit infusions."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda takes the moment-- attention diverted! --to fall back a step or three. Breathtaking and overwhelmed.

"...Dios," she murmurs to herself, slowly exhaling in long whisper. Thought herself ready to see something different and new-- most definitely not ready for so much, so swiftly!

"...pardon," she murmurs gently, slipping back and away apologetically.

Donna Troy has posed:
    "And Donna Troy," Donna says as introductions are being thrown in. She nudges Caitlin. "All wine is a fruit infusion when you think about it," she tells the redhead. "And it's fun when you get drunk. Relax and let's have some fun."

    She is however staring narrow-eyed at Diana through all of this.

    Donna finally responds by sticking her tongue out at Diana in the most adult way possible, which is to say in a not at all adult way. Diana knows /perfectly well/ what a ghostbuster costume looks like. It was Diana showed Donna to the movie shortly after Donna first arrived in America after all.

    "Pest control!" she announces finally. "For dealing with pesky sisters!"

Diana Prince has posed:
Sally gets a look -over by the Princess, who grins softly toward her. "Perhaps we need to hire you to help train our Amazonian Starguard?" She questions with a little grin creeping out a few moments later. "It is a pleasure to meet you, however." She notes, before her eyes lock on to Belinda, who is on her way out. "I remember you, it is good to see you again as well." She says with a warm expression tgiven before the other can vanish!

Back to Donna then, Diana has to let out a soft laugh. "I had to say it. It was probably my favorite line from that film... Either that one, or the speech that the little guy gave while wearing the spaghetti strainer on his head." Poor Lewis Tully.

With a look toward Caitlin then, Diana leans toward her. "Make sure to get Donna thoroughly watered down, so she has more fun." She says in a low tone before bumping shoulders with the redhead.

There comes another uproar of noise from the arena to the north, and Diana looks in its direction. "I am going to go make an appearance at the show before it wraps up. After that, the party should go in to a bit more of a casual place as people wind down for the night. Either that, or the children all go home, and the drinking becomes a bit... much." Didn't she just ask Caitlin to get her sister drunk?

With a little wave, Diana turns toward the pathway toward the arena, and starts down it. She crouches for a moment to pick up a discarded Tootsie Roll, and as she walks past the dance area, she throws the Tootsie Roll toward Cassie, plunking her in the back of the noggin. With a skip in her step, Xena Diana starts rushing a little faster toward the arena, joined now by a few other party guests who move alongside her just as rapidly, their costumes flowing around them as they rush toward the big event unfolding within the towering arena.