fairywilds

[fairywilds]

Aristotle let out a dramatic gasp, pressing a hand to his chest as if she had just accused him of journalistic treason. “Rig the results? Veronica, I’m offended,” he said, though the smirk tugging at his lips gave him away. “I would never compromise the integrity of Northknot’s finest publication—” he paused for effect, then added, “—but if I were to nudge the odds in your favor, hypothetically, it would only be because you deserve it.” He clinked his glass lightly against hers before taking a sip, eyes scanning the room. “But seriously,” he said, shifting his weight onto one leg, “if you’re here, dressed up, and willingly drinking overpriced champagne with me, does that mean you’re actually— dare I say— enjoying yourself?” He arched a brow, half teasing, half genuinely curious.

Nic was not one for dressing up, but she did like a good party with an open bar. Besides, it was New Year's Eve, and if she didn't go out, one of her triplets would drag her out. It was better to hang out with Ari than have them try to talk her out of her comfort zone. She snorted, taking the champagne flute. She very rarely allowed people to take pictures of her. She preferred to be on the other side of the camera but she trusted the man's face, "I sincerely doubt that one unless you're planning on rigging it," she joked back, sipping on the drink he had given her.

[fairywilds]

Phaethon turned at the sound of Caleb’s voice, a surprised but pleased smile spreading across his face. “Hey, you,” he greeted warmly, giving Caleb a quick once-over. “Look who’s talking— you look good too.” He lifted his glass slightly in a subtle toast before tucking his free hand into his pocket, his usual composed demeanor tinged with something lighter, more playful. “Are you here just to make sure the year ends on a high note?” His gaze flickered with amusement, but there was something else there too— something hopeful.

Caleb spotted Phaethon from across the room and weaved his way through the crowds toward him. They had hung out a few times now, just a few casual dates here and there but Caleb enjoyed talking to the guy and spending time with him. It was going well so far, "Hey!" he greeted with a smile he tried to make confident but it felt a little bashful, "You look great!"

@fairywilds ( Phaethon )

[fairywilds]

Auberon let out a quiet breath, something between a chuckle and an exhale, though it carried no real amusement. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, sharp and searching, as if he were peeling back layers she hadn’t yet acknowledged herself. “Ah,” he murmured, “so you’re not trying to control the world— you’re trying to anchor yourself to it.” He tilted his head slightly, considering. He glanced at her journal again, his fingers tapping idly against the side of his coat. “The trouble with that,” he continued, his words soft but deliberate, “is that it's all a fragile thing. One stray gust of wind, one unforeseen mistake, and suddenly, things can come falling down. And then what?” His gaze flickered back to her, unreadable but intent. Then, as if catching himself from wandering too far into dangerous territory, he smirked slightly, shaking his head. “But maybe that’s a conversation for another time.” He took a step back, slipping his hands into his pockets. “As for the journal…” He gave her an amused glance, something wry and knowing dancing in his expression. “Well, if it ever does start writing back, I imagine you’ll have more interesting problems than control.” His gaze lingered for just a moment longer, then he turned, his presence retreating like a shadow slipping out of reach. “I’ll be curious to see what it has to say.” And with that, he was gone.

"I'm not sure if I see control in the same way. For me, it's more... The world around me is the only thing I can control sometimes. Keeping it in order makes me feel like I can do something when I usually feel so helpless. I can't fix myself, but I can make the world around me nearly as perfect as I planned it to be," she explained. Natalie's eyes went from the man to the journal then back when he told her to guard it closely. He was rather odd, but he raised some interesting things to think about. "An interesting idea. But in this town, it's not entirely impossible for the journal to write back."

[fairywilds]

Sage snorted, taking a sip of his drink before lazily glancing over at Sawyer. “Yeah, well, so is half the stuff people do for tradition,” he said, shrugging. “Doesn’t mean it stops them.” He leaned back, tapping his fingers against the rim of his glass. “I don’t know… I think it’s less about the kiss and more about the idea, y’know? Like, the whole fresh start thing. You step into the new year with someone, maybe it means something. Or maybe it’s just an excuse to make a move when you normally wouldn’t.” Sage smirked slightly, nudging Sawyer with his elbow. “Not that I’d expect you to get sappy about it. But some people like the excuse.”

closed starter - sawyer & sage ( @fairywilds )

"I just don't get the appeal," Sawyer said. "I don't get the big deal, why do you have to kiss someone on midnight? It just feels like a made up way to give guys excuses to be special about it, when it should be all the time. It's like Valentine's Day, irrelevant."

[fairywilds]

Aristotle huffed out a quiet laugh, shoving his hands into the pockets of his pink velvet suit jacket as he stepped up beside Wyn. “What can I say? I’ve got impeccable timing.” He glanced over at him, the corners of his mouth tugging into something softer, less teasing. “Or maybe I just like finding you out here.” He rocked on his heels for a moment, letting the cool night air settle between them before adding, “You are doing better, though. Last time, I thought I was gonna have to dramatically carry you out to safety like some sappy movie.” He smirked, tilting his head slightly. “Kinda disappointed, honestly.”

closed starter - wyn & ari ( @fairywilds )

Wyn needed to take a breather from the crowds, which is how he found himself outside. He looked over when he noticed someone join him, Ari. "This is starting to become a habit, you meeting me after I feel anxious about small spaces." Granted, this time he was doing much better than last.

[fairywilds]

Malakai huffed a quiet laugh, shoving his hands into the pockets of his suit jacket. "Yeah, well... you never really needed an excuse for that," he said, his voice carrying that familiar teasing edge, but there was something softer underneath it— something unspoken. He watched her for a moment, taking in the way she shook off whatever thought had just crossed her mind. He knew her well enough to recognize when she was doing that. Maybe before, he would’ve pressed, but now? Now, there was a space between them that he wasn’t sure how to cross. "You're right, though," he admitted, glancing away, like looking at her too long might make all of this too real. "Every year, always something big." He restated. "Guess it’d be a shame if I missed the festivities again another time around, but it's not like you need much excuse to dress up and look like that. You've always done it so effortlessly. Puts the rest of us to shame."

"Kai... you and I both know that every year..." she was about to say alive, but then she realized that this, between them, it wasn't like when they were young. He was only back because of a spell, he was a ghost, and for a moment she remembered how everything felt to be back the day he died, the day she ended up alone when she helped Savannah and PJ get out of the city, away from the hunter. She shook it off, trying not to make it look like she just stumbled mentally. "Every year is something big. We made it... one way or another." Lydia wasn't sure what they were anymore, if they'd be anything. She would be lying if she said she didn't want something, didn't feel that familiar love between them when he came back. They were both avoiding it. "Plus, it's an excuse for me to dress up and look hot."

[fairywilds]

Eitan’s grin stretched wider at that, amusement flickering in his eyes as he took her hand without hesitation. “Well, can’t say no to that,” he mused, lacing his fingers through hers with an easy confidence. “Gotta keep up with your high standards, after all.” With a gentle tug, he started leading them toward the bar, glancing back at her with a smirk. “Hope you’re ready to be impressed, ‘cause I’ve got exceptional taste in drinks," he paused for effect before adding, “And by that, I mean I’m absolutely ordering something ridiculous just to see if you’ll match me.” His thumb brushed against the back of her hand absentmindedly as they walked, his gaze flicking down at her with something just a little too warm to be purely playful. “—What’s your poison, Connie?” he questioned.

"Oh yeah? Well, I do like to keep people on their toes," Connie teased, "Sure, I know. I think I'd just like to hear you say it," she mused, the corners of her smirk rising a little higher, "I do like distractions," she admitted with a slight sing-song in her voice. She held out her hand to him, "Lead the way, handsome."

[fairywilds]

Malakai let out a quiet breath, a mix of relief and something heavier settling in his chest. "Good," he said, nodding slowly. "That’s… really good." The corner of his mouth twitched downward at the mention of Everett. "—Everett? Huh, guess I’ll act surprised when she tells me." There was something almost wary in his tone, like he was trying to picture what Savannah’s life had been like without him in it. To him, it felt like a lifetime. He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Feels like I blinked and everything changed." His gaze flickered back to PJ, something thoughtful in his expression. "So, what about you? What’s life been like after… y’know, all of it?" He gestured vaguely, like that single moment— his death, their escape, everything that came after�� could somehow be summed up in a few words. "What have I missed out on?" He questioned, not knowing how else to ask.

"Suppose so," PJ said with a dry laugh, shrugging. He didn't fail to notice the way he said her name but he didn't comment on it. Plenty of time to tease him about his feelings later, once they'd caught up. He shook his head, "It was not better that way. You were not the one that should have died that day," he insisted, "Yeah, we have time. I had a colleague cover my shift," he explained with a nod, "She's okay," he replied, smiling a little brighter, "Yeah, she showed up here a year or two ago. We got separated after you died but she made it. She's uh... she's actually seeing someone, Everett," he said, "Though actually, pretend I didn't say that because she'd probably want to tell you," he added with another laugh.

[fairywilds]

Aneurin had been standing near the back of the room, sipping on a drink and trying to avoid too much conversation, when Dylan’s voice cut through the noise. He turned, surprised to see Dylan approaching him, and raised an eyebrow at the casual greeting. “Laurel didn’t really give me much of a choice,” Aneurin replied, his tone dry but not unfriendly. He glanced around the crowded ball and shrugged. “Figured I’d show up for a bit, make an appearance.” He shifted slightly, the old awkwardness between them lingering in the air. It wasn’t hostile— just... different. “Didn’t think this was your kind of scene either,” Aneurin added, smirking faintly as he looked at Dylan. “But I guess we’re both here now, huh?”

「 closed starter.」 dylan and aneurin. @fairywilds

THE TWO USED TO BE A LOT CLOSER. dylan blames himself for the distance. nothing really happened. no real bad blood. at least he didn't think there was. but he knew he made [ a c t i v e ] choices that caused the shift in their friendship. but despite all that, aneurin was close with laurel, so it's not like they could avoid each other. just awkward now-a-days. yet... when he saw aneurin at the ball, the one dylan hadn't wanted to come to, he found himself approaching the other wolf. "laurel convince you to come too?" his tone light.

[fairywilds]

Wolfgang leaned casually against the bar, glancing over at her with a faint smirk, his sharp eyes catching her grin. "A semi-decent sour apple martini, huh?" he replied, voice low and his sarcasm dry. "You make it sound so tempting." He took a seat next to her. “Didn’t think this kind of scene was your thing,” he added, glancing around the room before his eyes settled back on her. He tapped the edge of the bar lightly, as if contemplating her offer. “Alright, why not? Hit me with your best shot— semi-decent or not, I’ve had worse.” He said, "And besides, I am a little too sober for dealing with all this glitz tonight."

「 closed starter.」 ryann and wolfgang. @fairywilds

THE WITCH HAD BEEN HONESTLY READY TO LEAVE HOURS AGO. events such as this weren't really her thing. but she wanted to be with cassandra... so she showed up, dragging mat with her. when she felt a presence next to her at the bar, she didn't left her head up, resting it on her arms... "fancy seeing you here." she spoke to the other witch. "can i interest you in a semi decent sour apple martini?" she finally sat up correctly and turned to grin at the fellow witch.

[fairywilds]

Eitan turned at the familiar voice, his grin already forming before he even laid eyes on Cassian. “Cass!” he greeted, effortlessly slipping into an easy smirk. “Bro, I’d say enjoying is a strong word, but I’m making the most of it.” He gestured vaguely with his drink before taking a quick sip. “Figured I’d show up, look pretty, steal some champagne— y’know, the usual.” He gave Cassian a once-over, raising a brow. “And you? What, did someone drag you here, or are you just checking up on all your lost children?” His tone was teasing, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze as he leaned casually against the bar.

「 closed starter.」 cassian and eitan. @fairywilds

THE MAN WASN'T BIG ON NEW YEAR'S EVENTS. or at least not anymore. yet he came anyways, though his goal was to leave before midnight. fireworks and him weren't a good miss. and he really didn't want to make that anyone else's problem. he was absentmindedly looking for either one of his siblings or clem, when he instead found eitan. grinning wildly, cassian didn't hesitate to greet the younger man. "hey mars!" his tone relaxed as he neared the other fairy. "enjoying yourself?" checked in.

[fairywilds]

Malakai turned his head slightly at the voice, his gaze settling on Theo with quiet amusement. "Yeah, I guess so," he admitted. "People’ll find any excuse to dress up and pretend for a night, won’t they?" His tone wasn’t judgmental— just observational, like he was picking apart the mechanics of a ritual he no longer fully belonged to. "So, what’s your excuse? Just here for the drinks, or do you actually enjoy this kind of thing?" There might have been a slight teasing edge to his words, but beneath it, there was genuine curiosity. He’d spent enough time watching life from the sidelines— maybe it was time to start stepping into it again.

HE REALLY ONLY CAME FOR THE FREE DRINKS. theo had never really been big one celebrating in big crowds. though he did know how to make the most of it. he had just been ordering a drink when he heard someone else speak. at the other's words, theo chuckled a bit. "honestly, that's fair." he agreed with a shrug. even if the man hadn't been talking to anyone specifically. "but i guess the same thing could be said about most celebrations." he added.

[fairywilds]

Malakai huffed a quiet laugh, tilting his head as he considered her words. "Yeah, I guess that’s one way to look at it," he admitted, his gaze flickering toward the grand clock across the room. "Growth, survival— it’s all worth celebrating, sure." His smirk faltered just slightly, something more thoughtful settling in its place. "But what about the people who don’t get that privilege? The ones who don’t make it through?" His voice wasn’t bitter, just… curious, like he was testing the weight of the thought out loud. After a pause, he glanced back at Natalie, a ghost of a smirk returning. "Not that I’m trying to be that guy at a party. Just seems like the passage of time means different things depending on which side of it you’re standing on." He shrugged, his tone lightening a little. "But hey, I can appreciate a good excuse to dress up and pretend it all makes sense for a night."

"I think it's more about celebrating the past and how we've moved forward. Another year, another time means we've grown. We've tried new things. We've failed and we've succeeded, but mostly we made it through. Celebrating growth is a good thing," Natalie pointed out. "Plus it's a privilege to grow older. Not everyone gets that and all it comes with. Granted as a vampire saying that, it doesn't quite work the same way."

[fairywilds]

Aneurin let out a small, relieved breath at Natalie’s response, his shoulders visibly relaxing. “I appreciate that. I’m not exactly great at opinions on gifts anyway,” he admitted with a half-smile. “But I’m happy to tag along, even if you do have me carry your bags. Could use a walk to clear my head.” He fell into step beside her, the awkward tension from before fading as they walked together. “It’s funny, you know,” he said after a moment, glancing over at her. “Sometimes it’s easier doing things for others than for yourself. But you’re right... not all families have that, so I guess I’m lucky in that way.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, his gaze flicking between her and the path ahead. “So, what kind of presents are you looking for? Anything specific, or are you winging it?”

"Maybe you don't think so, but I'm sure the people you do it for think it is something special," Natalie pointed out. She herself often felt that way after all and was reminded how much people appreciated her. "Not all families are like that sadly, but they should be," she agreed. Being there for each other was important, even if she had never experienced that with her own family. "I was just heading down to get some presents for some people. You're welcome to join me for a bit. I won't ask you to carry bags or opinions on things."

[fairywilds]

Nereus grinned, spinning his pen between his fingers. "Oh, so now I’m not just the bartender— I’m the mentor, too? I like it." He tapped the notepad again. "A little staff-wide mixology challenge could be fun. Let everyone get creative, see who’s got the best instincts behind the bar. Maybe even make it a competition— winner gets bragging rights and their drink on the menu for a month." He leaned on the counter, smirking. "Though, let’s be real, if I don’t at least help in the final round, we might end up serving something that tastes like regret and bad decisions." He chuckled. "But hey, it’s all about the learning experience, right?"

"I think it is. Makes people loyal and happy in their job. And if they're happy, they're better workers. They want to be here and be a good representation for the restaurant," Natalie said, sharing her idea of a good business. She would hate to be the kind of boss who her employees despised. "If you're trying to get on my good side, you're already there. But maybe all the employees can come up with some sort of special drink. You can guide them on what works well together."

[fairywilds]

Zafir fell into step beside her, shoving his hands into the pockets of his coat. “New Year’s resolutions?” he echoed, amusement flickering in his eyes. “I can’t say I’ve ever been the type. Something about the whole ‘new year, new me’ philosophy feels… overly optimistic.” He glanced at her, smirking slightly. “That said, I suppose I could come up with something. Maybe I’ll try to take fewer existential detours during casual conversations. Or finally get around to learning how to make good coffee instead of just ordering it.” He paused for a beat, then added more seriously, “Though if I were to make a real resolution… I think it would be to stop looking over my shoulder so much. To live in the present more." His expression turned contemplative for a moment before he shook it off. “But enough about me. What about you? Any grand plans for self-improvement this year?”

"Nope. You have to be aware of them and still find a way to be happy, whatever way you can," she agreed. Despite how deep the conversation was, she had enjoyed it, enjoyed giving her ideas about the world to someone who would actually consider them and not write her off as being naïve about the world or something. Natalie stood and headed in the direction of town, towards one of her favorite cafes. "Well, how about new years resolutions? Do you have any of those or are you the type who doesn't believe in them?"

[fairywilds]

Nereus huffed out a laugh, tipping his glass toward her in mock salute. "A six? Not bad, considering the company." He gave the room a slow once-over, his smirk lingering as his gaze returned to her. "But, hey, if you ever are looking for another excuse, I'm more than happy to play that role." Taking a sip of his drink, he let the bubbles fizzle on his tongue before answering her question. "Me? Oh, I’m at a solid five. The booze is decent, the music could be worse, and I’ve only had to fake-smile through two painfully long conversations." He sighed dramatically. "But now that I’ve found you, I might actually survive the night. Safety in numbers and all that, 'least for a bit." He mused.

Catalina was not one to conduct herself in a royal manner at public events. Somewhere under the surface, her parents were probably dreading what she was doing above water. She let out a soft hum at Nereus' words, drinking more from the beer bottle in her hand. "I'm a six," she said. "Handling the booze just fine, I feel great," she told him. She was many drinks in already, and you could see it on her face that she'd had a fair bit. "But I could do without the majority of these people. I only came because most of the town is here, and it gives me an excuse to get drunk," she joked. "What about you?"