2023.05.06 Erin’s Yacht Christening
| 2023.05.06 Erin’s Yacht Christening | |
|---|---|
| Erin has a new yacht, and Deirdre decided to throw her a yacht Christening party at the docks to welcome it to the ocean! | |
| IC Date | 05.06.23 |
| Players | Alicia, Amberlee, Ambrosine, Deirdre, Erin, Janneke, Kieran, Miranda, Sapphire, Sark, Stella |
| Location | The docks |
| Spheres | Changeling |
RP Room 1
At the end of a long gangway is the Kings Island Marina. This expansive marina is designed for boats of all sizes ranging from large luxury yachts to rowboats. Two service stations for gas meet the fuel needs of patrons, although fuel prices are a little higher than they are on land. Each area has a small enclosed pay station. There is also a large roped off section for swimmers, complete with an island pier that has a diving board and a trampoline. There is a sign that reads "No docking fees, complements of Kings Island Entertainment"
A section of the marina has been set up with a lovely yacht (https://cityofhopemush.net/images/3/33/Yacht_for_Erin.jpg) that is sitting up on the Slip so that it can be christen and then lanched into the water.
The slip and the area around it has been roped off, and not with any cheap tape. Brass poles and fancy, braided, red, velvet ropes. There's an open bar set up with an attractive bartender, Neil—who manages to really pull off that short-stubble look. There's some light tunes playing, classical, actually. A festive atmosphere permeates everything, with coloured streamers attached to the yacht, twisting in the ocean breeze.
RP Room 1
At the end of a long gangway is the Kings Island Marina. This expansive marina is designed for boats of all sizes ranging from large luxury yachts to rowboats. Two service stations for gas meet the fuel needs of patrons, although fuel prices are a little higher than they are on land. Each area has a small enclosed pay station. There is also a large roped off section for swimmers, complete with an island pier that has a diving board and a trampoline. There is a sign that reads "No docking fees, complements of Kings Island Entertainment"
A section of the marina has been set up with a lovely yacht (https://cityofhopemush.net/images/3/33/Yacht_for_Erin.jpg) that is sitting up on the Slip so that it can be christen and then lanched into the water.
Deirdre is already there, in her customary uniform, this time with a sword hanging from her belt, and a Champagne glass in her hands. The redhead's eyes look brighter than usual. One might get the impression she's trembling with antici-
Erin is here with the cat of course as they seem to be pacing just a little bit. Sitting where they can watch are two girls and a lady is with them holding Sir Eric in a carrier. They must be here to watch because this is of course exciting.
Erin dropped The Girls.
These two girls can usually be found very close to their mother Erin.
Meara being the oldest girl looks to be about 8 years old https://cityofhopemush.net/images/f/f1/MearaCOH.jpg
Ana looks to be about 3 years old https://cityofhopemush.net/images/2/21/Anacoh.jpg
Alicia arrives. She's never going to miss a yacht party. And she's never going to miss a chance to glamour up a yacht party. After all, what is a yacht party without beautiful women? She gives her regards to Deirdre and Erin. "Thank you for inviting me, Erin. I appreciate it."
Erin turns to look at Alicia and smiles "Thanks for coming" she nods giving the woman a thoughtful expression.
Miranda is just coming up upon the Marina as she arrives right on time. Her eyes scanning around and enjoying the sites here. Getting Erin and Alicia, and Deirdre in her vision she waves to them all. "This is quite lovely! Thank you for the invitation!"
Somehow word has gotten back to Amber that there's a party and so she arrives. The warm evening allowing her to wear a lavender floral dress, sandals and a soft dove gray sweater. She arrives quietly, not immediately approaching anyone for a moment. The sunglass-wearing waif sways for a moment watching people with a gentle smile on her face.
Janneke approaches the slip, then looks down at her heels with a dubious air, then considers her purse. Well, there's always the flats in her bag! She comes with a pair of gift-wrapped bottles of some sort, merrily wrapped and with colorful bows. "Hi!" She waves as she approaches. "I brought along a bottle of sparkling pear juice for the littles, so they could drink a toast too." She waves to the kids as well, smiling cheerfully, and then offers the same smile to everyone else approaching and gathered.
Sapphire arrives right behind Miranda, dressed for a yacht with daisy dukes and a bikini top, sunglasses on her face. "Ohh, open bar." Then Sapph turns to Erin and Deirdre. "Thanks for the invitation."
Meara the oldest of the girls waves to all the people as they arrive and walk by.
Ana hides a little bit as she watches as people arrive staying close to her aunty/babysitter.
Sir Eric is all giggles as he waves a toy around in his hand and seems to be talking well making all kinds of noise honestly happy baby.
-pation! Deirdre bounces around, greeting the two Baronesses with a tiny bow. "Amber, Miranda, thank you for coming! And Alicia! Welcome. JJ!" JJ gets a hug. "Welcome!"
Ambrosine smiles at Deirdre and lifts a long fingered hand to wave before finally drifting closer to the gathering. The closer she approaches the less focus she can seem to spare any one thing, though it does give her a sense of wonder. The appeal of a drink causes the pale Baroness to gravitate that direction.
Erin rocks on her heels as people continue to arrive. She gives little waves and looks over towards the children and smiles at them.
Alicia manages to look effortlessly cool in her designer clothes, sipping some kind of drink or other with a straw. She makes sure to give Miranda and Amber her regards. "You know what we never had in England? Yacht parties. I'm not saying America is better than England, but when it comes to boat-based festivities, America wins."
The SUV that ultimately divulges Sark and Stella lingers for a moment or three as Stella usually insists on giving details to the driver before he is allowed to head off. Important shit that never comes to Sark's mind like...when should I be back, how long will be we, and so on. Once that's been accomplished, Sark actually offers the woman an arm to escort her to the boat.
While certainly not dressed up like he was on Beltaine, he DOES have a nice pair of beige slacks and a decent polo shirt on, complete with some soft white loafers. Well, he tried, right? When they actually get to the boat, he pauses and arches one brow, "Permission to join the party?"
Erin smiles brightly at JJ "Thank you that is most kind of you.. They will really enjoy that.. Thank you" she goes to give her a hug but then looks unsure so she smiles at her.
Ambrosine spots Erin and smiles a quick glance given to the children. Amber adjusts her trajectory once more to find a spot to lean. Seemingly content to exist at the fringes, at least for the moment.
Janneke gives a hug back to both Deirdre and Erin. "It's good to see everyone all merry. And about to be merrier, with the bar and all." There's hugs for Sark and Stella, too, when they approach. "My favorite lizard," she says with a giggle. Hey, JJ, you pregaming or just happy to see us? Well, she does beeline toward the bar for a drink, so... it's anyone's guess.
Kieran turns up not long behind Sark's SUV, rolling up to the dock on her motorcycle. She's traded her jacket for a large rucksack, and coming down the dock looking like she's planning to climb a mountain at the beach, she looks... well, frankly, a little ridiculous. "Heeeey, guys! I brought eight gallons of margherita mix..."
Stella slips her hand into the crook of Sark's arm, murmuring something with a warm smile after looking over his yacht-party duds. "... --aids will be doing flips, you watch and see if I'm right. In the meantime, your arm is mine. So don't get any mer-ideas."
The brunette who is significantly shorter than her is wearing whites as well, with a blue-and-white scarf largely keeping her wind-blown air out of her face. https://i.pinimg.com/564x/22/0e/12/220e124694d6b40e81750d1fcde55616.jpg
"My my. It's quite the thing, isn't it. Lovely. I hope they gave her a good name." Then up on her sandaled toes to speak to Sark more quietly, she murmurs something with an amused but of a smile on her lips, white sunglasses still hiding her eyes.
Once permission has been given to come aboard, she allows Sark to hand her onto the boat and is seeking out Deirdre to introduce her to the captain, her hand still firmly settled upon Sark's arm, turns to look at Kee. There's a tipping down of her glasses as she looks Kieran head to toe, and then a kiss-kiss motion from across the space between them.
Erin smiles "Please make sure to get a drink or two while we wait for this party to really kick off and we get going. I want to thank you all for coming" she smiles and gives waves to anyone that she hasn't gotten too.
Ambrosine smiles to familiar faces but the willowy woman pulls her sweater around her a bit as she watches more people arrive. She seems to be enjoying herself just people watching for now.
The girls are watching the people as they arrive and wave to them with big cheerful smiles.
Sark smirks a little at Stella's comment and murmurs under his breath, "I dont think the mermaid's making an appearance here, so we're safe." That's a joke, right? Regardless, after having Stella step on ahead of him, he grins and offers JJ the obligatory hug back before she flees back to the beverage table. He pauses for a moment to take a bit of gold out of his pocket and step to the side to wrench a little bit of it off, before popping it into his mouth, eyeing the rest of the brooch like someone might consider how much is left of their Hershey's bar, before sliding it back into his pocket.
"No?" Stella replies to Sark regarding mermaid sightings; then she flickers a glance to the gold that's being nibbled, still over the top of her glasses, before pushing them back into place. "Introduce me to the captain, Will you, Mr. Goldstein? Or shall we find Deirdre?"
Kieran sets her backpack down near the bar, and basically leave it to the tender mercies of the staff, then heads up the gang itself to look around slowly. "Wow... this is niiiiice..."
Ambrosine watches folks as they mill and look over the beverages, noticing when others step out for a moment to themselves. Then finally decides to head to get herself a cup of water. She overhears Kieran and nods, "Very sophisticated." Amber smiles Janneke's way as well. Her attention seems to wander rather quickly.
Erin steps over to the children to get the baby when he starts to fuss. She bounces him a little and ruffles the girls hair giving them kisses "Go get your juice that was brought for you go on" she tells them as she once more moves closer to the party. Can't go stand off when it's your party darn it. She swings the baby making him laugh as she greets people.
Miranda waves as she sees Ambrosine, and then Sark and Stella. "Oh very nice to see you all too!" She has a gift bag for Erin, that she hands to her. Inside Erin will find a small box with a charm for a bracelet of a solid platinum yacht. There is also two more small boxes with bracelets and similar charms on them for her two girls. And another wrapped up gift - a teether for Eric that is the shape of a boat - and it squeaks! "I figured there would be plenty of more traditional gifts, and wanted something more personal.
Deirdre comes back with a large bottle of Champagne. Dom Perignon, actually. She sets it down and then uses her own natural command voice from the US Navy. "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention *please*!" It doesn't actually sound like a question.
When Stella asks to meet the 'captain', Sark chuckles and offers Stella an arm again to lead her towards Erin. He does, however, hold up and lift one brow in curiosity when Deirdre reappears with the obligatory Dom and requests everyone's attention. Instead he leans in close to Stella and murmurs, "One sec. I think its smashy time first, if I understand how this works?"
Janneke says, merrily, over the rim of a frothy drink, "Never trust a fae who asks for your attention," then grins with an impish air. "I collect them, myself. I have a closet full." But she does, in fact, shut up and give her attention over.
Ambrosine looks over when Deidre comes out with the christening bubbly and migrates over that direction. She seems to know what the bottle is for and angles herself out of the way.
Erin holds the baby and has the girls help her open up the presents from Miranda as she looks at them she awwws softly "Thanks, these are awesome" she hugs Miranda well one arm because she has a baby on her hip "This is super awesome" she helps the girls each put on their bracelets.
Meara hugs Miranda "Thank you Ma'am this is a very lovely gift" thank you so much" She nudges Ana over
Ana smiles "Thank you" she also says and gives a little hug a very shy child before returning to Meara and Erin's side.
Erin smiles and then when hears Dee and gestures to the girls to return to their aunty's side as she adjust the baby with his new squeaker from Miranda "thank you so much" she turns to look at Dee.
Kieran turns to look toward Deirdre, questioningly.
"The christening of a ship or a boat is a very important and auspicious occasion." Deirdre relaxes somewhat. "You see, back in the old days, back when humans first built ships to go out in the ocean, they knew nothing of the sea. Oh, they knew of the shore, but not the sea. They had no way to look under the waters. Currents and riptides were dangerous, even someone on the shore could be carried away. People didn't know what gods or monsters lurked out in the depths. So, when the first ships were launched, these humans would sacrifice a person to the sea, and painted the blood onto the ship to show the gods they had paid their due. The tradition continued with animals, but all peoples had their own traditions to honor the gods for protection of their ships. Today, we don't sacrifice anything but a good bottle of Champagne, but we do it still. You see, we sailors are a superstitious lot because even now, the sea is still a mystery. A deep, dark, scary mystery.
"A boat is a vessel for hopes and dreams, for fears and adventure. The Age of Exploration and Discovery was started when proper ocean-going ships were finally made. When seafarers could finally use the stars and sun to figure out where they were, even if no land was ever in sight. Brave captains and their crews set forth not knowing where they were going or what they would find. And every time they made a new ship to sail into the unknown, they celebrated the occasion, and made an offering to the old gods in the tradition of their ancestors.
"We're not going to be smashing a bottle against the hull. Without the hull being steel, it's a bad idea. But instead we'll be following the old British traditions, of pouring wine out of a goblet onto the deck of the ship." Deirdre produces a silver goblet. "After Erin pours the Champagne out on the deck, she's going to throw it to you all. Whomever catches it is lucky and gets to keep it."
Stella tips her ear up to Sark's close murmur, and then she nods, "Looks that way. Is that a 1998 black label limited B Dom? That certainly suits the vessel, as far as first impressions go. But not quite as pricy as your snack. Please tell me that that wasn't my bracelet from Crete." She quiets to listen, though she does drift a glance over to Kieran once again and tips a smile. Back to Dee.
Erin blinks as she must of missed the part where she gets to throw the bottle to the guest. She smiles as she rocks from side to side to keep the baby happy. She glances to all her guest and then smiles back to Deirdre "Ready when you are"
The girls listen and smile as they seem rather excited to be here.
Ambrosine seems to enjoy Dierdre's explanation on the history of boat blessings. She takes a step back, perhaps to get a better view of the whole celebration.
Sark arches a brow at Stella and keeps his voice down so as not to talk over Deidre's explanation, "What? No." He pauses for a moment to show the (now slightly mangled, a jeweler weeps somewhere) little shield to Stella, perhaps just to reassure her that no present has been relegated to 'snacking material', before sliding it back into his pocket. "As for the bottle. You'd have to explain to me what Dom is before I could remotely answer that question. When Erin looks ready to throw, Sark sounds a little moe amused, MOSTLY asking Stella, "If you catch it, do you have to drink all of it before you step off of the boat?"
Deirdre helps Erin up into the yacht and to the bow. She draws her sword and sabrages the bottle open in one go, the cork and top of the bottle falling to the deck. Then she pours the champagne from the bottle into the goblet. "Ask safe passage from any deities or powers of your choice, Erin, then pour the goblet out. And then you toss the goblet—gently—to the crowd."
Ambrosine sucks in a breath and looks around. Amber seems to find something that interests her and moves wraithlike around the crowd until she's next to Kieran. She watches the christening and once it is completed drops to whisper ino the redhead's ear.
Erin does pass the baby over to the person that has been watching the kids after she gives him a kiss and then gets on the yacht with Dee's help "Thanks" She looks to Dee with a thoughtful expression. She nods "Well I ask that we always have safe passage when we travel the seas" she smiles as she waits for the goblet so she can pour it out.
Deirdre hands Erin the goblet.
Miranda claps softly as the ceremony begins. She is beaming as this ausipious occasion takes place. She does not know about the goblet part, so she waits to see how this goes.
Stella looks mollified about the gold snack at Sark's response and display. "I am quite a fan of golden things." She speaks between pauses in what Deirdre says so as not to miss a single thing. "It is a widely known brand of actual champagne. The vintage, if I'm not mistaken is quite exceptional, and will be until about 2030. But it won't last that long, it sounds like. It will be a feat, though, catching an open bottle as the goblet ... well, I've never seen it done this way... even a black label bottle of Dom B. Quite worth it if you like effervescent beverages. I certainly do." She pauses, "You had a sparkling wine at the (clubname) last month. I made sure of it. This is what that sparkling wine could only DREAM of being. What I'm looking forward to is the saber style..." She's silent abruptly as ... ah yes ... "Deirdre made that look easier than it is. Quite impressive, really."
Kieran blinks, and looks up to Ambrosine as she speaks, then nods, and replies just as quietly.
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Janneke rolls Dexterity(3) + Athletics(1) (4 dice) vs 6 for 2 successes.
2 3 +7 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Ambrosine returns soft words to Keiran and gestures the direction of Stella and Sark. She stays out of the dive for the goblet.
Erin pours the goble out by Dee's instructions and then smiles as she very gently tosses the Goblet into the crowd to see who will be catching it.
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Miranda rolls Dexterity + Athletics vs 6 for 4 successes.
5 +9 +9 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Kieran nods, and whispers something back to Ambrosine before moving to whisper to Sark...
Sark watches the activity between Erin and Deidre while Stella explains, chuckling under his breath at the explanation, "So you're saying this is really REALLY good shit. Maybe I'll try a LITTLE of it later. Just for the taste." He doesn't appear to be making any effort to catch things, instead watching the toss with amusement.
Deirdre pours the rest of the bottle onto the deck of the boat. Never pays to be stingy when making a sacrifice to the old gods.
Ambrosine whispers and then stands back when Kieran slips off. Amber takes a few more steps back a bit further. Left to her own devices she can't seem to handle a crowd.
Miranda is not one for diving or making a spectacle of herself. She has too much etiquette for that. But as the goblet flies up in the crowd, she reaches up and it just seems to land right there - like it was all planned! "And me without my catcher's mitt!" Not that she has one. "What a nice goblet!" She says as she looks at it.
Janneke misses catching the goblet, maybe because she has a glass in one hand already. She laughs and shrugs, raising her glass in a toast to Miranda's superior skill at catching. "Nice one!"
Stella winds both arms around Sark's lower bicep as she laughs quietly, then speaks up a little, "May the sea welcome you." Back to Sark. "Really good shit isn't wrong. But the sorts of people who drink $400 plus bottles of Dom tend not to put it that way. And yes, I highly recommend you have some if there is any to be had. But I doubt there will b--" It is dumped onto the deck. And here she thought it was just the lovely chalice. "Superlative champagne has the unfortunate effect of making me disturbingly giggly. Among other things." She follows the goblet to Miranda, tipping her head a bit as if trying to place the beautiful face. "I think I've seen her before," she tells Sark.
Erin cheers for Miranda "Good catch!" she looks to Dee with a smile watching her pour the bottle all over the ship. She grins "That was great"
The girls raise their glass and cheer.5R
Neil goes around and makes sure everyone has a flute of Champagne that is most assuredly not Dom P. The old gods get the good stuff. Mere demigods and dragons get Moet. Deirdre takes hers and turns to Erin. "And now, Captain, if you would lead us in a toast, we can get this boat in the water and out to sea."
Sark pauses to lean in and listen to Kieran's whisper, frowning at the content. As she has to take her leave, he stops, pulls the little gold trinket out of his pocket, and looks at it again, studying (whats left of) the design. There might even be a softly mouthed 'the fuck?' on his lips, that is distracted by the cheering. The trinket is shoved back into his pocket and the young man takes a moment to visibly change the expression on his face to force a amicable smile, even to murmur at Stella, "See, YOU being giggly, I feel like I need to witness."
Stella murmurs very quietly up to Sark, "This is most assuredly not Dom Perignon. Don't get your hopes up." She doesn't sound judgy so much as informative.
Ambrosine claps quietly for the successful christening then the pale woman slips off the gangplank before the ship departs.
Erin looks to Dee "I have to give a speech?" she looks shocked then hmms softly "Everyone have a drink?" she holds hers then looks to Dee.
Deirdre nods.
Erin takes a deep breath as she steps up and smiles at everyone "Ok I suck at this so bare with me" she holds up her glass "To the Wind Runner, my she find fair winds and smooth seas." she then sips her drink.
Sark eyes the glass he's given and takes a small sniff of the alcohol, a soft 'ooo' escaping him, while he does settle down to wait for the toast. When Erin names her boat and wishes it well, he glances around at the others, then lifts his glass to join the toast and takes a long, exploratory drink from it.
Janneke takes a second glass, looks between the two, shrugs, and raises the new glass and old in a dual toast, then drains the champagne first. A moment later, she chugs down the other drink as well. Uh oh. Let's hope JJ is a nice drunk.
Miranda absolutely respects the goblet. She holds it very carefully and caring as she looks it over. "This is a quite a treasure here. I can appreciate the workmanship to make such a thing." She walks over toward Deirdre. "Are you sure it is ok to keep it?"
Over the top of her white sunglasses, Stella gives Sark a Look as Kieran whispers to him and then disappears somewhere. "Buy me a ridiculously expensive bottle of vintage, top-line brand champagne and you shall have your wish granted. Until then, you'll have to take your chances with Moet et Chandon." She accepts a glass but simply holds it while Erin makes her speech. When Erin sips, she lifts her glass, "Hear hear!" Then she takes a sip. After the fact (not so helpful) to Sark, she murmurs, "It may tease your nose a bit." Then his 'long, exploratory' drink from the champagne earns him some quiet laughter from Stella (not to be confused with giggling). "It is -meant- to be sipped. But there's something to be said for enthusiasm or avarice, Goldstein." Belatedly she adds, quietly, "Sir," with an impish bit of a smile. She catches sight of Janneke and offers her a smile should she look Stella's way. If not, it's understandable on a yacht full of very interesting guests. She does, however, keep Sark between herself and the incredibly well-behaved children.
Kieran takes a glass as well, raising it a lot at the toast. "Hear hear!"
That's right, she hasn't *quite* disappeared just yet. But Stella can totally be forgiven for thinking she had, as the Clurichaun is not, in fact, in her properly-appointed posture of 'wrapped around Stella like a very huggy squid'. She's not far, though, so that's something.
Deirdre downs her glass and nods to Miranda. "Of course. Tradition is tradition. They really only stopped letting people have the goblet when they started launching so many ships at once. But you're supposed to have a lucky day, or week, depending on the legend. I'm sure someone as august as yourself has a place of honor for such things?" Deirdre smiles to Miranda and then goes and releases a lever and the boat slides into the water. Music plays: I'm on a Boat! Streamers flutter in the breeze. The ship's bell rings. Yeah, there's a bell, on a yacht. No, it didn't come with. "There is a buffet inside, curtesy of Chef LeBlanc from Restaurant François LeBlank. Just inside. Please, eat it all. It's too good to feed to the fish." (It's a Michelin-starred restaurant. You can tell it's pretentious and good just from the name, right?
Erin turns to look as they slip into the water and smiles "Come on board and let's take her out and eat" she giggles. She comes to the edge and gives kisses to her kids as they are not going on the boar ride.
Janneke's eyes go a bit wide; she's impressed, clearly. "Suddenly I'm glad I went for a skirt," she says with a chuckle, helping to direct l
Erin smiles "Ok so let's get this party started there will be Margaritas and food.. Really yummy food.. I will do my best not to crash us" she snickers as she gestures everyone on the boat.
Sark chuckles at Stella's comment and murmurs, "I will take you up on that, young lady!" He (crassly?) knocks back the rest of the glass before bowing a little and sweeping his arm to indicate Stella should step onto the boat ahead of him, "She said there's free food. We absolutely have to stick around for a while for that." With a grin, he pauses at Erin and nods at Stella, "Hey gorgeous. This is Stella Green, my...sorta life manager? Stella, this is Erin, one of the few people I've known for almost a year here."
Janneke 's eyes go a bit wide; she's impressed, clearly. "Suddenly I'm glad I went for a skirt," she says with a chuckle, helping to direct people aboard and get them to the food. She's a good organizer, of course. (finished)
Erin looks to Sark and smiles giving him a little hug if he allows "Hey big guy.. how is it going?" she tilts her head Manager?" she looks thoughtful then grins "It's nice to meet you Stella, There is all kinds of food please make yourselfs comfortable"
Kieran moves along just behind Sark and Stella, giving Erin a big smile. "She's lovely, Erin.. and I wish I could come with, but I've got to work tonight. I just need Stella for... *one* moment... before I head off." And with that, she taps that notable lightly on the shoulder and gestures for her to come to one side with Kieran.
Erin smiles at Kieran "Oh ok well thanks for bringing the margarittas and i'm sorry you will not be coming with us on her first outing" she nodsnods She gives Janneke a grateful smile for helping.
Stella finishes off her Moet and release Sark's arm and does T-Pain and Andy Samberg credit, matching moves here and there, completely compromising her initial impression of delicate sensibilities. "I'm .... onna boat," she adds in from time to time, shimmying in her white chi-chi yacht-wear. She does however manage to do two things at once, preceding Sark onto the boat without losing the beat. "It's not just free food, Easy, it's ... what did you call the Dom? The good shit -- at least worth a few well-chosen bites" she says, presumably to ... her employer? Someone flipped a Stella switch. Very likely Deirdre. She eases out of her dancing as she's introduced to Erin. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Your boat is quite sleek and lovely. Do you captain as well from time to time?" Personal Manager. "No," Stella answers, shaking her head with a smile that is quite warm. "Personal assistant. He keeps trying to give me promotions that I have no interest in. Though if he has another glass of champagne, I will absolutely 'assist' as needed." Once more to Erin, "Thank you for having us." Stella swings around and holds her hands out wide and slightly at an angle to tell Kee with the music, "I'm onna boat!" The across the way kiss-kiss becomes a You're Right Here Kiss-Kiss that's not quite high society air-kissing. "Do I get a secret too, Ms. Elusive?"
Kieran smiles some as Stella comes along with, and nods a bit, laughing at the quick kiss. "You get more than a secret. I wanted to make sure I said hello... and, y'know, I got this thing of yours I found earlier, so I figure I should give it back before I head off. Just... have fun out there, ok? And don't get *too* sparkly, yeah?"
Sark seems quite agreeable to gently lifting Erin off of her feet to return the hug, setting her back down with a grin, "Always happy to see you. And yes..." he glances back at Stella getting lured off for a moment, grinning a little more, "She...manages all the paperwork about my life that would give me a small headache. At times, there seems to be enough that I could quite literally bury myself in it." With that said, he DOES step onto the boat to avoid holding up the loading, and, well, the food is there!"
Stella mouths at Kieran <<I'm onna boat!>> once more as the song fades out. "You can't leave. There's going to be a mishap and we'll all end up on an island and be calling Erin the Skipper, Lovey. We'll wear coconuts and palm fronds and make radios out materials impossible to make radios out of. There's a theme song and everything." Pause. Slight frown. "What thing of mine?" She talks more quietly with Kieran for a few moments.
Kieran smirks, and cups Stella's cheek. "This..." then she turns and gives her pretty much exactly the kind of long, slow dip-kiss that tends to happen with frankly alarming frequency between these two. When she finally *does* come up for air, she makes sure Stella's steady on her feet, and pats her cheek again. "I know. But I gotta work. Go have fun."
And then, like the Lone Ranger, she's off!
Erin smiles at Stella "Well as long as the tittles fit right?" she let's Kee take Stella away as she ooofs when Sark easily lifts her and she giggles "It is good to see you.. Haven't had a lot of time to bug you lately it seems. We should find some time to go do something fun" she grins then looks around waiting to make sure everyone is on board "Well just learning to take her out so again I will try not to crash us.. Dee will be by my side so we should totally be fine" she nodsnods. She smiles "So eat and enjoy the small ride around the marina Are we ready?"! she bounces a little bit.
Miranda is very glad for the kindness of Deirdre sharing all that information with her. She takes time to get a small plate of food, and then enjoys the sights from the deck. She is really enjoying the time out here on the ocean. "Thank you for the ride around the marina! This truly is a treat!"
Janneke is making sure to get herself fed, finally, then finding herself a good spot to enjoy the whole experience (and eat). "Oh, you'll be fine," she tells Erin with a grin, "We have faith in you. Plus, there aren't any islands to run into... at least none charted! Dun - dun - DUN!" Yes, she says that, and then she giggles. She's got another drink in hand, which may explain it. "It's gorgeous out here, and Dán knows I needed the break..."
And there it is, without even any Dom, damn it all! Stella comes up for air with a quiet, airy laugh that could absolutely count as in the giggle family. "Fine fine.... go to your waiting masses and play the drudgery out of them, leaving only .... " By then Kieran has left and Stella requests a song or five from wherever the music is coming from on her way back to 'assisting Sark', the Andy Samberg dissipating to leave a smiling woman in all white except for that blue and white scarf tied back beneath her brown hair at her nape. To Sark she speaks the lyrics of 'Gilligan's Island' as if it were spoken word poetry. "Now sit right back and I'll tell a tale..." Erin's friendliness was of course returned in triplicate, entirely authentic. Are they ready? "Aye aye, Cap'n." Back to Sark, "Would you like me to retrieve some of the incredible food?"
Erin ohs and gestures "If you need or want a life-vest they are over there" she guestures to where they are at "That's important, you don't have to wear one but in case" and with that she turns to head to the wheel with Dee. It's a slow at first but the boat begins to move back so they can head out of the marina.
Sark does avail himself of the free food almost immediately, probably sidling back up near Stella with a plate of things...right about the time she's asking if he wants her to grab some. The question is answered with a bright, toothy smile and a wink, offering her a bit of cheese on a wafer, "She said 'free food', you think I am going to stand around and wait for someone to offer to bring it to me? Im sorry Kee had to leave though. THe day is usually a bit more fun when she's around." With a waggle of his brows in amusement, he pops a little piece of sausage into his mouth and munches away, while shooting a curious look over at Miranda and JJ.
Stella looks from Sark to his plate and back again, "You got all the wrong foods," she murmurs quietly, half-teasing. "Didn't you see the mini Wellingtons or the ... those tiny terrines look fascinating ... the ones with the tiny spoons. And sushi? Did you get any sushi? They even have mini Wagyu burgers. And I don't now how they pulled off the souffle bites. Some Michelin magic. I'll just grab a plate. Watch for more champagne, or I can bring you ... it looks like they have fresh peach puree bellinis. Highly recommend. Still with bubbly. Shall I bring you some? Did you see the chocolate table?" She pauses, shakes her head. "The table with all things chocolate? Not as good as gold, but the darker items are the ones to try." Writing reality out to disk. Please wait... Reality saved. Thank you for your patience.
Have you ever seen a woman in five inch heels do a full out sprint along a dock? No? Well, here she comes. She's got on a skirt that isn't TOO short, a shirt that... well, she has a hand held there at the bodice to keep the ladies from flinging themselves outward. Those heels are black and five inches, as stated earlier, and they clasp around a delicate ankle. "Erin! Erin!! ERIN!!!!!" She practically screams the woman's name, trying to get someone's attention as the boat starts to pull away. She also has a little bag over her arm that flops and smacks against her hip as she runs. (She also manages to make this look at least a little bit graceful)
Sark grins at Stella's critique of his plate and winks at the woman, "Well, then that just means YOU get to go refill this plate when we empty it. Fair enough?" Clearly not taking offense and just amused and enjoying things for the moment. He LOOKS like he's about to go say something to either Miranda or JJ or both of them when Amberlee comes running down the dock trying to catch the boat. He looks questioningly at Erin, then Stella, then back to Amberlee before offering the plate to Stella and moving to (hopefully) help the woman get on board, provided Erin seems to approve of her appearance.
The boat is just starting to move so lucky for Amberlee she has some time as the boat is moving very slow. Someone moves to the side to help Amberlee onto the ship or maybe someone will be nice enough to help too. Erin shouts out "Someone help her on please" she does what she can to slow the ship but once you start moving you know your moving.
From Stella: "Oh. Alright. Yes. I am here to assist you in all the ways. That suggestion is more than fair. But I intend to have two of those bellinis, Boss." Abruptly, Stella takes the plate from Sark, her teasing smile drifting as she belatedly catches sight of the speeding, damned impressive, knife's-edge arrival of Amberlee and realizes why Sark abruptly gave her his plate. She picks up a deconstructed caprese salad with a grape tomato stuffed with fresh mozzerella and wrapped in a oil/vinegar-dipped fresh basil leaf, held together by a toothpick and pops all but the toothpick in her mouth while watching curiously from behind white sunglasses. To no one in particularly, she states, "Chivalry, ladies and gentlemen, is not dead."
Janneke puts down her things and races toward the gangplank to try and go for a catch... or a pull... or something to aid Amberlee's ascent onto the yacht!
Amberlee reaches out to snag the nearest hand. It happens to be Sark's and Janneke gets the other hand. She takes a leap at the same time to clear the (granted, it's just a few inches, but she's in heels, people!) distance and she manages to keep her feet and Sark is only kind of assaulted by whatever's in that bag she's carrying. There's a solid THUD as whatever it is whacks Sark and Amberlee comes to a halt and kind of skids into Janneke. "Good fucking god. I hit traffic and then got behind some old fuck. Thank you." Sark gets a smile, Janneke gets a smile and she's still looking for Erin, but she brushes Janneke's shirt off a little bit incase it gets mussed up
Janneke get skidded into, stumbles, and manages to barely keep her footing, but she's merry enough to give no fucks about the whole thing. "I hate when that happens," she agrees, "But hey, you made it!" She grins, not fussed about the shirt, either. She's just.. all good right now. Gourmet dinner and booze, probably.
Erin is actually behind the wheel with Dee. She is concentrating on taking the boat out of the marina without bumping into other ships or anything. She calls out "Everyone ok? Did you catch her?" she grins.
Sark braces a little for the impact, snickering under his breath before offering Amberlee a nod of his head, letting her go when she clearly has her feet under her, "Nice ta meetcha..." He gives JJ a questioning look just to make sure SHE'S okay, before taking a step or two back to sidle up close to Stella, and snag another bit of MEAT off of that plate, rumbling in approval.
Stella leans a shoulder around to one side of her back into somewhere around the center of Sark's chest when he comes back, offering the plate of food with a lift of the plate all while watching Amberlee with fascination. "Hello, heave ho, all aboard, yo ho ho, and welcome. THAT, I must say, was a rather exciting arrival. I'm Stella and this -- " She looks over the top of her sunglasses up at Sark because she couldn't quite tell if he knows Amberlee from that exchange or if he was just being helpful. She tips her head in Sark's direction indicatively, "-is Sark. There is moderate and quite acceptable champagne, a bar and quite delicious food below. And I believe our captain is being captain-aided as she intrepidly steers us to a fateful island. You must be the movie star. I do hope you'll say something mysterious and potentially seductive. And I must say that I like your shoes nearly as much as I admire your ability to perform track and field events in them." Sark got the Wellington bite and that causes Stella to smile. She thought he'd like that one.
Amberlee throws on the most brilliant smile for Sark and she boops him lightly on the nose with a perfectly manicured, stiletto-tipped nail in thanks. Stella talks and she looks over that way, pushing her hair back from her face. "Nice to meetcha too. Amberlee. Sorry. THANK you. Both." She turns to Janneke. "I know I don't get out much, but I would have hated to miss the send off," then she turns around toward Stella and curtsies faintly. "I like you."
Janneke seems fine; she's just a little stumbly! She beams and says, "My pleasure," her smile a little too bright, but hey, she's among friends, she's greatly amused, and there's a dragon noshing nearby. It doesn't get much better than this, and if it does, keep it to yourself. Soo there!
Erin gets the boat out of the marina yay! and out to the water for a short trip. Once there are no other things she might run into she looks over and smiles at Amberlee "you made it, nice entrance"
Sark grins at the greeting from Amberlee and offers a bow of his head as Stella identifies him. And, indeed, a bit of the Wellington finds itself in his mouth in a bit of a rush. MEAT. Oh yes, someone is a carnivore. He pulls that gold item out of his pocket, looking like he was going to tear another bit off, then looks at it, reconsiders it, and repockets it, to munch on the munchables instead. He calls out to Erin and Dee, "We got her!"
Stella watches Amberlee expertly navigate addressing a handful of people at once. Her own eyes are hidden behind her sunglasses, but her smile suggests interest, pleasure, or perhaps delight. It's not obvious which. But at least one of those unless she's Just That Good at presenting as authentic when she's not. "Amberlee. I am going to walk the plank and say the name fits you. We'll see if I get bumped off to the sharks below if I'm mistaken. She holds Sark's plate in her palm while gracefully sinking into her own, amused curtsey in return. The edgy, attractive woman in the five-inch heels likes her? "That's mutual. For now. I prefer for the future to be a mystery. It's more exciting that way." She rises and steals another deconstructed caprese toothpick speared tomato to catch with her teeth and drag off the toothpick, lips closing as she enjoys the Michelin starred food. Only once she's finished chewing, does she ask, "How well do you know our Captain and hostess?" She then stage-whispers, "I don't know her at all, but she seems quite generous. And --" She waves her free hand to indicate the yacht. "-- she owns a yacht." A pause, then the addition, "And the children didn't come along for the ride." Up to Sark, "I should have practiced starting fires without matches."
"We do what we must," Amberlee tells Erin then smiles brightly at Stella. "Amberlee, or Ambs, but never Amber. That's a stripper name." Amberlee LOOKS like she could probably be a stripper. She steps away from the welcome wagon and over toward Erin, handing her the bag. Inside, there is a nice bottle of wine. She probably SHOULD Have just carried it in, but did you see how she arrived? Bags are better. Back to Stella, Amberlee moves over toward the food to steal a bite for herself. A small plate worth even. "Erin and I go way back." She leans against whatever is convenient. "I had a yacht for a while. But I realized at some point that I didn't care for the water enough to live out there."
Erin hugs Aamberlee and smiles at her "Oh thanks! mmm this looks good.. We will have to pop it open" she grins at her. She looks over to the others "Go eat and mingle there is some really really yummy food" she nodsnods. She looks around and grins.
Sark finally does take his plate back from Stella with a murmured thank you, and is doing a remarkable job of cleaning that thing off, as if he hadnt eaten at all so far that day. Something seems to keep pestering at him, so he finally glances over at Janneke and purses his lips. Murmuring to Stella, "Be right back..." he makes his way over to JJ and offers her a small smile, before bending down to whisper a question to her.
"Hmm. I reserve my right to use either, depending on my mood. Amberlee or Ambs." She speaks them as if she were weighing them, what they both imply, what they might mean. She tips her head up and turns back a bit from her lean into her ... employer? ... and she inquires softly while Erin and Ambs converse, "She is interesting, don't you think?" But she loses him and heads off to get herself one of those fresh peach puree bellini. She ends up getting to hear about Amberlee and Erin after all -- from the former. "Way back sounds like it must be full of stories. Do you care to share one?" Had a yacht. "Most people who I know who own yachts tend not to live on them. Did -you- live on yours? You strike me as someone who ... likes space." Down below where the food is, Stella lifts a hand to pull off her white sunglasses (the hand not holding the bellini). Green eyes. Frank, intrepid, and a bit forward, perhaps as though she's seeing how far she can push. Or it could just be the lighting below. She should take another plate of food up to Sark along with a bellini to see what he thinks. But she remains where she is for a moment.
Amberlee winks at Erin as she wanders around and gets food. Lots of food. A whole plate of it. "I'm fine with either," she tells Stella, then swings around into a seat, just as delicate as you please. When Stella requests a story, Amberlee taps her chin with one of those pointy nails. "Mmmmmmmmm.... a story. Erin, should I tell her something true or should I make something up?" And how would Stella know either way?
Erin is piloting so she doesn't leave the helm as she giggles "Make something up" she teases as she grins at Amberlee.
