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**The Announcer** · 06-21-2022, 05:10 AM

After taking an whimsical yellow submarine from the Ministry’s meeting point on the shores of a secluded section of the English coast, you arrive an hour later to the ancient city of Atlantis to the Underwater Gala. As you step off the submarine you are treated to your first breath-taking sight of the magnificent city of Atlantis as you stand in an underwater cavern entrance covered in exquisite shoals of fish and enchanted to sustain all you land lovers while still accommodating for your aquatic companions - meaning you can breathe freely within this air bubble. A beautiful yet elderly and powerful looking merperson, the Chieftess of Atlantis, suddenly appears encased in an orb of water that gracefully floats towards you. While she happens to possess the same greyish skin as those merpeople who dwell in the Hogwarts' lake, her long wild hair is pure white and her eyes do not appear to have that yellow tint in them, and instead are a pale shade of blue. At around six and a half feet in length, she is both breathtaking and intimidating. "Welcome to Atlantis! Please proceed inside!" she announces loudly as she gestured everyone into the gala.

Coming into the festive rooms of the gala you might become mesmerized by the lightning that looks like giant jellyfish with festoons of tentacles spreading light in all the rooms. The main party room that also provides the night’s entertainment from a high stage is bathed in tropical blue hues. You listen to the variety of mermish artists (all of whom are also encased in translucent bubbles of water), take a spin on the dancefloor, or stop by the coral reef bar to get a special pink fantasy drink (there will be both wizard and merpeople drinks on hand, so why not try both?!). You may occasionally find your dance moves interrupted by a school of colorful fish encased in a watery orb of protection swimming from one side of the underwater dome to the other. The dining room is a pink palace of luxury, featuring a wall with constantly flowing confetti. Everyone has an assigned seat around circular clothed tables with a series of natural pearls in varying sizes and colors sparkling overhead. The food you can feast on tonight is a wide variety of mermish and wizard cuisine from entrees to dessert served by mermish waiters.

Remember, you are a guest of this exquisite city and it is a true rarity that merpeople have shown such hospitality. As ambassadors to the land above, be on your BEST behavior!

OOC: please keep any RPing of any merepeople to a minimum as there will be a MEREPEOPLE! account to interact with

Felixir · 07-03-2022, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl

He snagged a drink and so happened upon a sight he wished he could have unsubcribed to already, standing there with a glass in each fist. It would be rude of him to just stare at the tattooed hands clutching those glasses though, wouldn't it? Maybe David could get away with a few more moments of staring, a few more... ah, no, he'd better be the more intelligent party and use his words.

"Why are you here?" There, yes, there was a greeting for his old classmate. So good to see him all grown up like this and somehow permitted into this function. Rehabilitation works! And all that other nonsense David did not believe in. But his curiosity had gotten the best of him and that was that. He couldn't take the words back now so he just sipped his wizard beverage and stared some more.

Daxton did not recognise the owner of the voice immediately, but made the connection once he set eyes on him. Given how many years it had been, how much had changed in those years on either side, and the many people Daxton had known in the meantime, he could have feigned a lack of recognition, but was ultimately not so inclined. There was not much point.

Unlike his old... peer, Daxton did not waste his energy in that moment thinking about propriety, and so had no qualms about staring inscrutably bad at David as he considered how to respond, and how to respond. He briefly entertained the notion of enquiring as to the health of Truebridge's mother, before allowing the impulse to die.

Instead, when a business-card-sized rectangle of stiff parchment blinked into existence and flew in demandingly at eye level, stopping inches from David's face, all that it read - in Daxton's own small and spiky handwriting - was: 'Mingling.' In the same instant, Daxton glanced across at a small knot of gathered guests, following the sound of smashing glass, before flicking his eyes back to David Truebridge.

BanaBatGirl · 07-05-2022, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Daxton did not recognise the owner of the voice immediately, but made the connection once he set eyes on him. Given how many years it had been, how much had changed in those years on either side, and the many people Daxton had known in the meantime, he could have feigned a lack of recognition, but was ultimately not so inclined. There was not much point.

Unlike his old... peer, Daxton did not waste his energy in that moment thinking about propriety, and so had no qualms about staring inscrutably bad at David as he considered how to respond, and how to respond. He briefly entertained the notion of enquiring as to the health of Truebridge's mother, before allowing the impulse to die.

Instead, when a business-card-sized rectangle of stiff parchment blinked into existence and flew in demandingly at eye level, stopping inches from David's face, all that it read - in Daxton's own small and spiky handwriting - was: 'Mingling.' In the same instant, Daxton glanced across at a small knot of gathered guests, following the sound of smashing glass, before flicking his eyes back to David Truebridge.

Consider David somewhat surprised and maybe even a little impressed by the bit of parchment that suddenly appeared. So his old classmate was still nonverbal, apparently, only communicating via writing...?

He nodded to show he'd absorbed the message. 'Mingling.' Right. "Same," he replied dryly. David's glance also drifted to the chaos his department head was causing, and he couldn't help letting out a soft disappointed sigh. Why was it always the Department of Mysteries? Even Jane, who could usually be counted on for her rationality, was doing something with a puddle on the floor. Why????

Davie shook his head and took a few steps away from Daxton and the drinks table, content to silently disappear into the crowd now. He just wanted a peaceful evening. A peaceful evening under the sea. Was that too much to ask?

Cinn-O-Bun · 07-07-2022, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

[COLOR="Black"]· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
NOAH MARTIN-PRYCE | DEPARTMENT OF MYSTERIES UNSPEAKABLE
EN ROUTE TO THE CORAL BAR
Noah honestly felt underdressed for the evening, but the more and more he tried on various button ups either with a tie or bowtie the more he felt suffocated. The thought of being submerged in the deep as this gala demanded was unnerving to say the least and the only reason he felt even an inkling of comfort and bravery about attending was because of the man on his arm. He just hoped that Bean kept Picadilly proper company in his absence and did not chew up too many more of her things - cardboard cutouts were still an exception to this. Just...no one alert her to this fact. Dressed exclusively in black, he would have been baffled that Joseph's primary concern with being this deep down was the potential to ruin his suit.

Of all things, truly.

"Shall we fetch ourselves something to drink first and then find our seats?" he offered as a timid suggestion while his fingers settled in the spaces between those of his boyfriend's. He figured Joseph would likely wish to dance, but Noah would very much be needing to fortify before he exposed himself to such things. Though, in suggesting that, the appearance of the Atlantian chieftess had the red head second, third, and fourth guessing the option. He also noticed Indigo and tried to a casual sort of wave to his co-worker who always treated him kindly, but the fellow Unspeakable seemed preoccupied with other company for now. Perhaps later.

Joseph was brought out of his trance at the beauty of the place when he heard his boyfriend speak. "Huh? Oh...yes that is a good idea." His fingers slipped through Noah's easily as his eyes took in the scene before them. "This is really something huh? Would you ever think you would see such a thing?" There really wasn't much that surprised him anymore but this...this left him speechless.

As the well what he could only assume was the one in charge made her presence known Joseph was suddenly intrigued by her crown and wondered if she would let him try it on. A coral and sea star crown? Fascinating! "Think she'll let me try that on?" Joseph whispered in Noah's ear his eyes glued to the chieftess as they slowly walked toward the bar.

sweetpinkpixie · 07-08-2022, 12:43 PM

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
NOAH MARTIN-PRYCE | DEPARTMENT OF MYSTERIES UNSPEAKABLE
CORAL REEF BAR
There was an instant relief in feeling Joseph's palm pressed against his own, though it would be only temporary once his bright blue eyes fell on certain other sights here at the gala. "Dad and papa were jealous already when I rung them to inform them of the event." He had wanted them to teach him a few simple expressions in Mermish so he could speak politely with the hosts...all of which had emptied themselves from his mind thanks to the nerves. "I wish I had brought a camera to take a few photographs for them...but I read somewhere that the merfolk do not take kindly to such things, especially when the flash goes off." And knowing Noah's luck...that would happen despite his best intentions. Takes a moment and smiles at his boyfriend as they walked towards the tables with drink and food options..and his stomach churned a fair bit as he contemplated just how adventurous he thought he could push himself to be. Probably not all that much more...the submarine ride down here had already been enough of an adventure for now.

His gaze briefly shifted from a place of what looked like lettuce wraps, shrimp on the inside, and towards Joseph but then soon swerved to the merqueen who was currently berating the Minister for Magic. Distracted again, the Unspeakable's head craned and followed her indication to see... "Mr. Flamsteed?" Noah gasped, watching as his boss behaved in the most uncivilized of ways. Not just him, but two more of his coworkers were joining in and Noah felt utterly appalled by the display. Joseph's question rung all kind of alarm bells inside and his curls were practically quivering in their own anxiousness. "I'd...let the answer to that question remain a mystery," he whispered, giving the actor's hand a gentle tug to move away from this group and towards the perfectly respectable end of the table where a nice plate of dinner rolls sat in a pyramid. "She seems...quite ornery ... we wouldn't want you to accidentally start an international incident."

Those last words were meant to be said lightheartedly...but it was a serious concern of the former Ravenclaw.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
CHARLES HOLLINGBERRY | MINISTER FOR MAGIC
CORAL REEF BAR

Charles maintained the same cordial smile as he took a sip from his new beverage, a deep one, to hopefully appease the Atlantian Chieftess. The Minister was, unfortunately, midsip when suddenly that very same Atlantian Chieftess spoke again, though instead of diplomacy and international comradery...she was practically sneering at him with her sharp tone. Glass still pressed to his mouth, Charles turned his head to look at what surely innocent misunderstanding had occurred (again). What he saw instead was nothing short of the sort of scene he had walked into when visiting his daughter when the triplets were mere toddlers and little darling Yukie had roped Michael and Mitsuki in to turning the living room into a pool.

But these were not children...they were some of the finest minds at the Ministry behaving like children and it truly was an embarrassment. Not only that, but it was a bit of a slap in the face to the efforts of all those who had made this event possible.

"Airey! Jane! Damian!" the Minister barked, losing his composure briefly and very much slipping into stern and disappointed grandparent. "Enough. Clean up your mess and puddles and apologize to our hosts immediately! This is a formal gala of international importance not your personal splash pad, behave as such!" As an additional precaution, Charles did give a quick glance towards both Genevieve and Hugo who had certain skillsets in detainment that may become necessary.

Whatever had gotten into those three?

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
AIREY FLAMSTEED | DEPARTMENT OF MYSTERIES DEPARTMENT HEAD
IMPROMTU SPLASH ZONE

Airey found himself torn between a deep yearning to suck the liquid off the floor and roll around in it, both requiring an instant gratification that was impossible to quench. "Water!" Airey sung as he spun towards the newly joined Unspeakable and grabbed him by the shoulders. "Wa---" And then he was struck with a thought. It was so obvious what had to be done, was it not? Quickly patting his pockets again, a sort of glaze came over Airey Flamsteed's expression and the joyous and particularly British song he had been singing earlier faded swiftly into something else entirely. Shrill, haunting, and in a language not his own...Airey began to sing the very song that had been haunting his thoughts for so long now. Eyes flicking to Jane briefly, Airey seized his own wand and thrust it upwards....and with a non-verbal Aguamenti, water shot forth from his wand and showered over the entire area.

Though his eyes did drift dangerously towards the magical barrier...

MadAlice · 07-09-2022, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

"Airey! Jane! Damian!" the Minister barked, losing his composure briefly and very much slipping into stern and disappointed grandparent. "Enough. Clean up your mess and puddles and apologize to our hosts immediately! This is a formal gala of international importance not your personal splash pad, behave as such!" As an additional precaution, Charles did give a quick glance towards both Genevieve and Hugo who had certain skillsets in detainment that may become necessary.

Whatever had gotten into those three?

Normally, hearing Minister Hollingberry speak to her in such a tone of voice would have mortified Jane and brought her up short, but she was so intent on the few puddles of water she had managed to eke out of the drinks that she didn't even hear him or register his presence.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Airey found himself torn between a deep yearning to suck the liquid off the floor and roll around in it, both requiring an instant gratification that was impossible to quench. "Water!" Airey sung as he spun towards the newly joined Unspeakable and grabbed him by the shoulders. "Wa---" And then he was struck with a thought. It was so obvious what had to be done, was it not? Quickly patting his pockets again, a sort of glaze came over Airey Flamsteed's expression and the joyous and particularly British song he had been singing earlier faded swiftly into something else entirely. Shrill, haunting, and in a language not his own...Airey began to sing the very song that had been haunting his thoughts for so long now. Eyes flicking to Jane briefly, Airey seized his own wand and thrust it upwards....and with a non-verbal Aguamenti, water shot forth from his wand and showered over the entire area.

Of course! The answer was elegant in its simplicity! (This was why Flamsteed had the big office.) Jane stopped what she was doing, rose up on her knees, tilted back her head, and let the glorious water cascade over her until she was drenched and her normally tidy hair was falling about her shoulders in wet clumps. And she found herself singing along to Airey's strange song as if she knew it, though she could not recall ever having heard it before.

Waddles · 07-10-2022, 06:06 PM

SPOILER!!: Brody

Gabriel's sort-of-listening quickly turned into full attention on Brody as his boyfriend spoke. He allowed the corner of his mouth to twitch upwards in a half smile, just for him. Yes, the gala was magnificent, pretty impressive magic. And yes, he was not truly relaxed, not when they were who-knows-how-far under the ocean, at a work function. "Yes, a drink, good idea," he agreed. With Ronan, sure. Not that he particularly wanted a drink, but Gabriel would agree to most things Brody suggested, even if he'd suggested eating his least favorite food with his least favorite person. Which, he hadn't suggested either. (And knowing Brody, he probably wouldn't.)

With this idea in mind, he turned away from Ronan and Brody to look toward said drinks and spotted what looked like several Unspeakables making a mess. Curious. He held out his arm for Brody to take, if they were going to walk over to the food and beverage assortment. Though it was not usual for him to initiate such public displays of affection like holding hands or linking arms, he wanted to keep Brody close. Love, or perhaps anxiety, he couldn't be sure which was his motivation, and he wouldn't admit to either of them even if he could identify the feeling.

**MERPEOPLE!** · 07-12-2022, 03:28 AM

This was unacceptable. The merchieftess rose, her orb floating higher from the ground. With the summoning of water, when they were already under water, it was obvious to her, these humans were under mermish enchantment. And the mess, the spilled drinks…now it was clear what these humans were doing. They had interfered in mermish affairs, and now they had come into Atlantis, their home, and she would not float idly by.

“Arrest these humans,” she announced loudly, baring her teeth and gesturing only vaguely in the direction of the three humans who’d been making a mess and now had begun singing in mermish. The gala had given her such hope, that the humans finally saw them as equals, but this behavior, bringing the enchanted humans into their midst...she could not imagine showing such disrespect in return.

At her beckoning, several angry-looking mermish guards stirred from their posts near the magical barrier and began to approach the three troublemakers (Airey, Jane, and Damian).

Krel Ansell · 07-13-2022, 01:38 AM

Text Cut: Sachin and the Merchieftess

Preoccupied by Alana’s behavior, he didn’t noticed the others acting oddly. Had he, Jane’s behavior in particular would have alarmed him. But she was on the other side of the space and well, he was busy trying to appease his husband and figure out what was going on with Alana. ”Sachin…” he said placing a wayward hand on his love’s arm. The move turned into more of a tap-pad-prod-tap thing until he found it, fingers curling a little in a protective manner. His voice lowered a little. ”Sachin…what - what if the drinks are - spiked?” And no, Conley didn’t mean in the way muggle teenagers liked to spike a punch. His mind was thinking about the time that the food in the Ministry's foodcourt turned people into animals. Maybe something similar was happening here. He glanced down at his drink and then, without taking another sip, set it on the bar. It was probably a bad diplomatic move as well as overly paranoid, but - he had children to think about after all.

Text Cut: Merchieftess

And then the bottom went out.

This. This was exactly why he was stressed out to the extreme.

Even from across the room he could hear the noise and see the mess. Why hadn’t he insisted on diplomacy classes for anyone attending? Why hadn’t he insisted!

He looked around for help. His eyes landed, first on Hugo and then towards Brody because where he was, Gabriel was likely to be. And look, there was Ronan. ”Melo, Carter,” Conley let go of Sachin’s arm as he took a step forward. ”Get them out of here before -” It was probably already too late. ”No… no… This is not how this was supposed to go!” He broke away from Sachin and started across the room to where Charles was with the chieftess.

FearlessLeader19 · 07-13-2022, 11:20 PM

SPOILER!!: Gabe! <3

That half smile was to die for. Gabriel must at least have some amount of suspicion of what that smile in particular did to Brody? There was nothing that charmed him more than Gabe did, not even this gala. The hopelessly smitten Consulate slipped his arm through his boyfriend’s, pleased that Gabe wanted him to; the Auror wasn’t always so open to PDA. Up until then, since his attention had been divided between Gabe and the merpeople, he hadn’t paid much attention at the bar. But now that he did… erm. What exactly was going on over there? “Shall we… join the fray then?” Because that’s exactly what it looked like to him. It was then that Brody looked more closely at his date and registered the slight difference in demeanor. “You okay?” he asked quietly.

SPOILER!!: Con! <3

Spiked drinks? Sachin eyed the one he had placed in Conley’s hand but before he could even move an inch to snatch the glass out of his husband’s hand, Conley had already taken care of that. Possible crisis avoided, at least when it came to the husband should the theory be true. The Ambassador grit his teeth as he watched everything unfolding. Nervousness about a calamity occuring was now bubbling up, joining his earlier annoyance, but he knew better than to stop his other half from throwing orders about and trying to soothe the situation over. His eyes briefly moved to Brody and Gabriel, back to the chaos and then back to Conley who was rushing off towards the Chieftess. Sachin remained rooted where he was. Needless to say he was quite displeased. This was supposed to be a relaxing evening.

Helios Sunrider · 07-15-2022, 07:13 AM

Yelled at by the Minister himself? That's how you knew when you really made it. "Uh. With all due respect, sir, but I don't think they can hear you." Damian had tried the subtle approach, and Hollingberry tried the direct approach. Neither seemed to get a reaction from Jane or Airey.

They couldn't talk to them, but perhaps? "Jane? Any thoughts on the matter?" Soaked from the showers that the other unspeakables were producing from their wands, Damian could hear the crunch of broken glass under his boots as he approached Jane. Leaning his head in close to the woman, his eyes were locked on hers, but she seemed a million miles away.

Damian didn't make it public knowledge that he was a practiced legilimens. There were no barriers to prevent entry to Jane's mind, but as soon he was in, he was in the deep end. The witches' mind was an endless ocean, stretching to the horizon in every direction. The wizard was barely able to tread water, vainly trying to find a sign of the woman he knew. Damian mentally called out before being pulled under by whatever was influencing her, washing him back out into the real world where things seemed to be getting worse.

"Find what did this to them." Pleading to the Minister, Damian turned his head away from Jane, water cascading from the edges of his hat. "I'm staying with them." The Department of Mysteries would be very quiet without his department head, and the witch he shared the Death Chamber with.

"We come in peace!" Standing before his coworkers, and facing the approaching guards, he held two fingers on each hand above his head in a peace sign.

MadAlice · 07-15-2022, 06:59 PM

Jane, only dimly aware of what was going on around her, was struggling for mental clarify, something that usually came easily to her. She struggled to her feet, dripping with water, the skirts of her gown stained with the colors of dozens of drinks. She shut her eyes and tried to focus, but it felt like her mind, the part that usually was in control of everything, was being pulled under by a powerful undertow. "I...we...apologize....we....we aren't ourselves....I...."--and here she broke off in what was nearly a sob (and this was a woman who never, ever, ever cried). A single tear may have rolled down her cheek (or then again, maybe it was just one of many drops of water). Suddenly she blurted out, "Something is very wrong!!" And then, because she just couldn't help it, she pulled a strand of wet hair into her mouth and began trying to suck the water out of it.

emjay · 07-16-2022, 03:47 AM

Although he knew he was supposed to be here to make connections and socialize with his coworkers, that wasn't really Gunnar's thing. He'd much rather stay at the side of his ever attentive husband, which was what he'd spent much of the evening doing, mermish drink in hand. And not that he was staring, but he couldn't help but to watch some of the interaction between the merpeople and his fellow land dwellers. This was a rare opportunity.

Until there was a very distinct shift in the atmosphere. For one, some of the Ministry employees, including the higher ups were acting very strangely. Were some of them drinking off the floor? Their reprimand from the Minister got his attention as well as when Mr. Flamsteed started singing... in mermish? If he had thought this was the older man's way of engaging diplomatically with the merpeople, he wouldn't be so concerned. But there was something very off here. Especially when the Merchieftess barked out some orders.

"This is not good," he mentioned to Alessandro, as he tried to keep a careful eye on the situation. Although he had plenty of expertise with aquatic creatures, merpeople did not fall under that umbrella. But he knew how dangerous they could be and he discreetly drew his wand, just in case this really got out of hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kendra was barely aware of what was going on around her or even hearing what was going on around her. She was so entranced by the orb of water surrounding the merperson in front of her. There was no evidence that she even heard the merperson speak, she was reaching her hand closer and closer, till her hand rested on the outside barrier of the orb. Could she plunge her hand inside? She wanted so desperately to be a part of that water. She wanted one of those water orbs for herself.

Even the harsh, elevated voice of the Minister didn't draw her attention, even if his reprimand was not directed towards her. But what did draw her attention, and stopped her hand from plunging through the water orb's barrier, was the beautiful song. The one that she heard on a loop in her head. She paused only momentarily before singing too - her own shrill voice coming out in another language and providing harmony to Airey's singing, soon giving way to her solo.

Chelliephone · 07-16-2022, 03:59 PM

As his date spoke, Gray couldn't help but chuckle in amusement as he smiled fondly at her. In the albeit short time he'd know Jin Ae, he had noticed her rather adorable ability to ramble when she got nervous. Then she'd get embarrassed about the rambling and it would make her even more so. It was an endearing trait, to say the least.

Looking around the room as he led her through the people, he nodded his head in agreement. This was definitely not something he'd expected, though the having her as his date part was the least unexpected portion - though certainly the most welcomed. "Thank you for agreeing to come with me. I imagine your work duties keep you pretty busy - I was glad you didn't have a show or a practice scheduled for tonight." He would have just come alone then if she had, or perhaps brought Leela who was the slightest bit salty she had NOT been asked to come admire the underwater plants with him. Sorry, little sister.

He was impressed by her restraint until only using the joke now. Giving a laugh as they approaching the bar and grabbed a drink, he smiled back at Jin Ae. "It did occur to me this would be a fitting location for you. Your band should consider a collaboration with a Mermish Group. Would be very on brand for you, and could be nice to further international relations with the Merfolk." He gave a nod towards the currently playing band, whom he quite liked the sound of.

In his looking over at the band, he did notice the rather... interesting behaviors of some of the other ministry employees, including the Head of The Department of Mysterious. Gray had been trying to get them drinks, but he paused at the interruption to the event, which only began to escalate as the Chieftess grew upset and the Minister attempted to intervene. Was there... did the MerChieftess just say arrest them? Gray straightened a bit before pulling Jin Ae closer and angling himself in front of her as a protective precaution.

---------------------------------

"Couldn't agree more. There is something far more comforting about an atmosphere that wouldn't drown you." Air for the most part was fairly safe. Unless you counted all the weird maladies that could happen from their own atmosphere as well and just the general vibe of being magical. At least it made it so that one was never bored? Taking the cue that the commentary should probably be primarily of gratitude with the relationships as fragile as what it felt to be, she searched for a compliment as well. "Absolutely. It was nice of them to create this bubble for us to be able to use some of their facilities." Opening humans up to ones home could always be disastrous -- it was nice they'd been willing to take the chance.

She smiled at Peggy's laugh. The commentary was enough to get an eyebrow raise though, as Rose looked at her boss with amusement. "Wait, what did you listen to at university?" She raised her own glass to her lips, taking a drink as she glanced around the room. People really WERE acting peculiar this evening weren't they? She would have mentioned as such, except she imagined everyone's attention was soon to be on the group in the middle as there was a call for an arrest.

... Well, supposed it didn't matter what she said now in regards to the event. Rose was going to go on a limb and say they'd already all made a very poor impression. Not much to do now except... drink her drink and watch it all unfold. She probably should have grabbed some snacks.

-----------------------------------------------

Sookie smiled back at her colleague, nodding her head in gratitude at the comment on her appearance. "Please, call me Sookie. And thank you. I have been lucky enough to reap the benefits of a sister who is into design. Sometimes being her life size barbie doll isn't all bad." How she had managed to miss Mr. Zunther was a mystery and Sook blinked before giving a small laugh and a warm smile. "My apologies, Mr. Zunther. A good evening to you as well." The smile was redirected again to Stella when she mentioned looking forward to knowing her more and she inclined her head in agreement. "As do I. I was admire the greenhouses just the other day. You and your team truly do an excellent job. I'll have to stop by sometime soon and request a more in depth tour." She could follow the diagrams but there was nothing better than being introduced by those who doted on and loved the plants as ardently as she was sure the greenhouse caretakers did.

Sookie opened her mouth to offer her thanks, the purpose of seeking out the level four employees, and to offer to show them to their seats when the commotion caught her attention and she turned concerned eyes towards the gathering including the Minister and the Merchieftess. A call for arrest was... certainly not a good sign, and anything she said died on her lips as she settled instead for, "Please excuse me." The Head for the Department of International Cooperation was already on his way, and Sook took off after him towards the gathering as well.

... She was desperately hoping she'd just missed a fun little play on the agenda that was meant to be a collaborative prank on the employees.

**The Announcer** · 07-16-2022, 06:12 PM

Clearly the International Magical Cooperation Director’s fears about things not going well were well founded. A small school of merguards approached the group of Unspeakables. Taking hold of Pendragon’s arms, two guards began to direct him off towards the edge of the bubble. Around the room, more mereguards dove into action. One grabbed Melo from behind, holding his arms in a manner that wouldn’t let the Junior Auror reach for his wand.

Although he wasn’t engaging in the other Department of Mysteries shenanigans, Truebridge also was approached as was Kingston Dolph. In fact, around the room many other witches and wizards were being seized by the merguards. Sweeting, Joana Veiga, Gunnar, seemed to have merguard drop on them from above.

Something told the merguard approaching Tamerlane to be careful, so he circled slowly. Nearby another group of merpeople approached Oceanus, TiaMarie, and Sam Gusey who suddenly found themselves at trident point.

Tread carefully witches and wizards, lest you make an already tenuous situation worse!

Waddles · 07-16-2022, 11:44 PM

Join the fray? Gabriel did not want Brody joining any fray. He frowned, but nodded. “I’m okay,” he replied quietly. It was a lie. And then he heard his name called, from Brody’s boss, of all people. Get them out? Who, the minister? Or just…everyone? He dropped Brody’s arm, stepping protectively in front of him as he reached his hand into his jacket pocket to grasp his wand.

He didn’t get very far, though, and never managed to actually draw his wand, because suddenly there were merguards everywhere and his arms were being yanked behind him. “Hey!” he exclaimed indignantly. Instinctively, he briefly tried and failed to pull away from the merperson. Then, rationale thought set in. This was a ministry function. All the important people in the ministry were here. If the merpeople wanted, they could just…get rid of the barrier creating the airbubble around the gala. He should…probably not do anything to make this worse. He cast a glance back at Brody, to make sure he was all right. Go, he mouthed at his boyfriend, hoping Brody would have the sense to stay out of the way. He gave a clearly forced but hopefully encouraging smile.

This was all just…a misunderstanding, right? Minister Hollingberrry would sort it out, right?

…RIGHT?!

*****

“Oh, mostly French music, is all,” Peggy dismissed Rosemary’s curiosity with a brief smile. “Some operas, occasionally.” She had found early on that it helped her concentrate. The growth of the commotion around Airey Flamsteed, drawing her eye once more, made her frown. She looked around for somewhere to set her drink down. Unlike some people, she did not find it acceptable to just drop her beverage on the floor.

“Perhaps we should move toward…the submarines,” she murmured quietly. Spotting a small table, she stepped toward it and set her drink down. As armed merpeople suddenly started circling around ministry employees, she glanced around once more, trying to do a mental headcount of the people in her department. Was everyone accounted for? Oh, and was that the Arrows beater over there?

For all her grand ideas of running away, she didn’t actually make any move to do so. Satisfied that her own staff had been behaving themselves or at least weren’t in any more danger than the general group, she trained her eyes on Conley and Charles. Waiting for just…any sort of sign. They were the international relations experts, after all. She’d hardly had any experience there.

*Nordic Witch* · 07-17-2022, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MERPEOPLE!

Before he could get to her, another land-dweller (Sophie) joined her and, aside from making a mess of some breadsticks, was lapping water from a bowl on the floor. THIS, he was certain was not normal human behavior. He swished his tail more forcefully, propelling the bubble right up to the two women and coming to a stop. "If you'll please come with me," he said, straightening to his full (not very tall) height and glowering at them. The Merchieftess would want to know about their suspicious behavior, he was almost certain.

SOPHIE CONNOLLY - Department of International Cooperation
With Alana Potter and a Mermen being taken somewhere

Sophie looked up confused from her bowl of luscious water at the very striking figure of a merman in all his glory, swishing his tail forecully infront of her and ordering her to come with him. Rising to her feet she sent at worried glance over at Alana before focusing on the merman and his bubble that was very near, too near. Licking her lips she nodded to him. "I'll come with you willingly Mr Merperson Sir, but where are you taking us?" The glowering gaze and swishing tail gave Sophie the sense that they weren't going somewhere nice with bubbling water, but where? The loud and shrill singing coming from the A&C head Kendra sounded very beautiful and soothing to Sophies ears and distracted her momentarily from wondering too much about where she was being taken.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles

“Perhaps we should move toward…the submarines,” she murmured quietly. Spotting a small table, she stepped toward it and set her drink down. As armed merpeople suddenly started circling around ministry employees, she glanced around once more, trying to do a mental headcount of the people in her department. Was everyone accounted for? Oh, and was that the Arrows beater over there?

For all her grand ideas of running away, she didn’t actually make any move to do so. Satisfied that her own staff had been behaving themselves or at least weren’t in any more danger than the general group, she trained her eyes on Conley and Charles. Waiting for just…any sort of sign. They were the international relations experts, after all. She’d hardly had any experience there.

AURORA BAGNOLD - Head of Department of Transportation
Coming to a stop by Peggy Laplaces side

Aurora was quietly sipping her drink when things went from good fun to a serious situation fast. Straightening to her full height on her high heels she observed the situation that took form in front of her blue eyes. Armed merpeople were now circling around ministry employees, and their glowering eyes and swishing tails weren't sending out friendly signals. Quickly discarding her drink on a nearby table Aurora swiftly made her way across the room toward her fellow department head. From Peggy's position she'd have clear sight and room to get to the Minister and Conley when they signaled for assistance. She was very pleased that she had emergency portkey's in place should they need to make a hasty exit.

Coming to an abrupt stop next to Peggy. There was no time for pleasantries like 'hi, what a nice dress' "Has the minister or Conley given any signals? Shall we round everyone up and leave for the boats?" Aurora asked in a hushed voice to her colleague. While waiting for an answer she began scanning the room again, counting employees and taking in the armed merpeople's weapons.

Granger Danger · 07-17-2022, 07:25 PM

Stella laughed softly. " I know the feeling, my cousin is a fashion designer herself she actually made this dress as well." As requested but nonetheless her cousin Natalie still made it for her to wear for tonigjt and she loved it. Smiling lovingly at her husband she let out a small blush and smile, it wasn't every day people acknowledge her and her other co workers in the greenhouse. After all they were just greenhouse caretakers, bottom of the totem pole as some people might say. " Thank you so much Sookie, by the way call me Stella as well, we work very hard on maintaining the beauty of each plant and of course I'll love to it'll be fun!" Nodding as she accused herself she turned happily back towards her husband. "Shall we find our table my love?" She asked him squeezing his hand.
---
Although their fun quickly turned into terror and horror for her she let out a gasp as she found her husband at Trident point by some Merpeople. What did he do wrong? She didn't see anything wrong or disrespectful that he did, she knew her Ocean he wouldn't do anything to disrespect the ocean or it's place and creatures he loved them. " W...What did he or they do wrong? P..Please don't take him away from me, he did nothing wrong." Gripping onto Oceanus hand like her life depended on it she was trying to calm down and hold back tears. They couldn't take him away from her, please Merlin no they had a family and were just married. She didn't know what was going to happen but she didn't want to lose her husband.

lazykitty · 07-17-2022, 07:52 PM

Everything, everywhere, all at once. That's what was happening right now, or so it felt like. One moment he was returning Brody's and Gabriel's greetings and sending a flirtaous merperson a wink, the next Flamsteed, Jane and Damien were making a scene (why was it always the Mysteries crew?). Sighing and pinching his nose a second before taking in the scene some more, he had to wonder what had gotten into them. If it was spiked drinks, he was willing to bet it was that other tribe of merpeople that this one was having tensions with. In which case, it had nothing to do with the Ministry.

Well, the arrests brought them into it a little.

His eyebrow raised a bit at the request of Phora. "We actually have zero jurisdiction here." Which he should very well know, being the head of IMC. Not that that mattered now anyway. 'I would, however, suggest you two let go of Mr. Melo. He had nothing to do with Mysteries' little scene," Ronan spoke in a tone that said that he wasn't one to trifle with, turning towards the merpeople in question with a look that said the same.

Oh, what had their Minster dragged them into now?!

BanaBatGirl · 07-17-2022, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Announcer

Although he wasn’t engaging in the other Department of Mysteries shenanigans, Truebridge also was approached as was Kingston Dolph. In fact, around the room many other witches and wizards were being seized by the merguards. Sweeting, Joana Veiga, Gunnar, seemed to have merguard drop on them from above.

Tread carefully witches and wizards, lest you make an already tenuous situation worse!

Quite right, David was not participating in the shenanigans that were worsening by the minute. He himself was developing a migraine which was only made worse by the awful sing-screeching coming out of Alice's and Airey's mouths. "The karaoke party was a few years ago," he drawled, taking off his glasses with one hand and massaging the bridge of his nose with the other. Without his glasses he was as useless as a blind pig on a truffle hunt, but apparently that did not deter the merperson menacing him.

"Pardon?" David blinked and shoved his glasses back on, highly perturbed to find himself drawn into the madness nonetheless. "I.... I...." will be cooperating fully, is what he wanted to say. But he found himself gaping like a fish out of water as the merperson seized him and the day. Well well. He was out of the fishbowl and into the frying pan, or however the Muggle expression went. Well done, Department of Mysteries. Well done.

Charely Potter · 07-17-2022, 11:44 PM

Kingston was feeling his jovial-self again with the other couple as company. He just about chuckled, "Yes, yes, let's get settled." A nice drink before getting their table as both Conley & Sachin were willing to fill up their expected table with Alana. "Just a moment, love." He lightly squeezed Jerald's hand before stepping away to get himself a nice snack to go with the drink.. when things took a turn for the worst.

What looked like falling shadows quickly turned the tide as he was circled by a number of mer-guards. Despite his tall height of just over 2 meters (6'9") the energy already was sending chills and a sense of panic, if things didn't go the right away he won't be able to see his partner and children again. "Ah.. is there a problem?" Kingston keeping his smile on raised his arms, palms exposed as if to showcase surrendering. His eyes searched the room to meet Jerald. That was when he saw the other employees acting a peculiar manner, but he certainly wasn't doing so. "I'm sure we can work something out." His eyes should they find Jerald, he hoped he didn't retaliate for family's sake.

Jerald smiled at how warm Sachin was, "It also helps having a partner at hand for when... uncertainty occurs." His English occasionally had hiccups but he had a feeling he got the point across. Working in another country was one thing, but it helped to have someone familiar in the knowing.

Jerald found himself engrossed in the conversation they almost didn't notice Kingston's hand slip away. Oh right, the man was always hungry. Jerald nodded figuring he could make a quick trip to the toilets when so much occurred at once. Certain people were being surrounded including Kingston. He gasped at the sight all but fighting the invisible shingles that were rooting them on the spot. "Kings.." Wait, he had to remain calm as their eyes met. But what could he do? The judgement was already being made. "Please, reconsider.." Naturally, one of his weakness was in times of stress his ability to speak was diminishing.

Darej smiled lovingly at his Becca after getting her the drink she requested. The time for kisses was always there just not at the moment. It was something he always looked forward to. "I agree, we're going to have such a story to tell our children once we're back home." Though Connor was only 2, he was growing so fast and learning so much. Not long after there was a scene occurring. "What the.." Of course, the precious moment where his guard was down danger was occurring. He was not in the mood for this. There were merguards holding up the misbehaving patrons, alright, understandable. But some of these people weren't doing anything especially his fellow younger colleague.

"Becca.." Darej said in a lower volume. "Whatever happens, be sure to get yourself to safety first." His urge to whip out his wand was strong, but he resisted the urge by holding her hand. He was not going to fight anyone in here, instead his brain went into overdrive looking for an escape or at least some sort of plan to ease the tension before they depart. And if all went wrong, well, at least she should make it back to the family.

Krel Ansell · 07-18-2022, 02:19 AM

Vale’s face had remained passive in spite of all the noises and mess that some of the British Minstry’s workers were making. However, his fingers tighten around Elian’s arm, both warning him not to do anything drastic even while alerting him that something was wrong. Valentin probably didn’t need to tell him though, as Elian was an ex-auror. {“I suggest, gentleman,”} Vale said, lowering his voice so that it didn’t travel farther than their small circle. He made eye contact with Indigo so the other man knew Valentin was serious. {“You keep your wands down, but ready to cast a bubble head charm.”} Because it would be very easy for the Merpeople to eliminate the bubble that was encasing them.

Clearly he was having a very poor day regarding his communication. He had meant for Melo and Carter to get the Unspeakables out of the gala so they wouldn’t get the merpeople any more upset. Apparently that hadn’t been clear. But that didn’t matter now, because things had gone from wonky to completely broken. He skidded to a stop near Charles and Hugo. His eyes traveled across the room to Sachin. He regretted not making him come with him. Conley was always stronger, better, and more level headed when Sachin was around. ”Charles,” he said, turning back to the Minister. He was suddenly worried about everyone’s safety here in the bubble. ”We need to move very very carefully…did the Cheiftess say anything as to why-” but it was too late. All around the room merguards were descending upon people who weren’t even a part of the problem.

”Hugo, there are a lot of ambassadors here.” His husband being one. ”We need to make sure they get out and are not taken or this is going to blow up even more.” He started looking around for Aurora who likely had emergency portkeys with her.

”You should leave too Charles,” Hugo agreed with Conley. The Minster’s wellbeing was one of his primary jobs after all. As was knowing when they were beat. ”There are too many people here and we have no idea how many people can swim." Not to mention we are pretty deep under the ocean and any dissolving of the barriers would crush them in a second. Had Hugo mentioned to anyone he was one of those people who couldn't swim? Was he secretly terrified that he would be crushed and drown here? Because he was and no amount of drinking Merdrinks was going to help. ”Carter, please assist the Ambassadors and their guests towards the submarines…and be diplomatic about it please. Charles?” Was Hollingberry going to fight him on this? Hugo really didn't want to have to frogmarch the Minister out on his first official big event.

As for the rest of his team, he hoped they were level headed enough to stand down unless otherwise directed, like Melo. He was going to have to give that man a raise when this was all over.

He turned to the DERP employee who had followed him. ”Ho-Sook yes? Can you go find Brody Hawthrone and tell him to help Carter collect the Ambassadors and get them out.” Brody would be the best person to convince them to leave, although Sachin might refuse to do so. ”And then find Ms. Bagnold and ask her to begin coordinating transportation back to the surface. I’ll - go try and talk to the Chieftess and convince her to release our peoples.” Conley, however, had very little faith that he was going to get anywhere with her.

He walked over to the Chieftess making screeching, harsh and raspy sounds as he spoke to her in her own language. He thought it might help show by showing some respect for the merculture.

emjay · 07-18-2022, 02:58 AM

No sooner had the words escaped Gunnar's lips than all chaos broke out. Merpeople shouting, guards surrounding pockets of employees. He didn't have time to react when he was ambushed by one of the merpeople guards from above, causing him to jostle forward and drop his wand in the process.

What the...? Gunnar paused and turned to meet the eyes of the guard, knowing enough to be careful. "I haven't done anything," he began, keeping his tone calm and level. "I'm not going to hurt anyone. Nor cause any trouble." He could be diplomatic and perhaps he could talk his way out of... whatever this was. Was he being taken captive? Certainly that wasn't the case. He'd only come at their invitation and he'd been on his best behavior, hadn't he?

He looked briefly towards Alessandro, trying to convey with his eyes that he was fine and that they needed to remain calm. One had to tread carefully with merpeople, especially in a situation like this.

pundantic · 07-18-2022, 04:23 AM

Sigh. This was why Al did not enjoy Ministry events. The failed institution, the facade of power in the wizarding world, was constantly putting their employees endanger, allowing extremist fascists to lead a coup and enforcing silly rules about taxation on their wealthiest citizens.

However, this event went from grating on his nerves at the Queen’s outburst to something else entirely.

Alessandro Toussaint was not a man of many words. He was famously severe. Yet hidden beneath his polished exterior lived a sleeping dragon, one that breathed fire and blood.

The animal reared it’s head when the merpeople put their webbed hands on his husband. His jaw ticked. ”Kindly unhand my husband.” The Toussaint spoke directly to the merperson who had corralled his wandless husband like cattle. He would not ask twice.

FearlessLeader19 · 07-18-2022, 02:13 PM

Yeah, Brody was choosing not to believe Gabriel about being okay. The other guy was obviously tense - and as it turned out, he had good reason to be. The Consulate only had time to register that the protective boyfriend had stepped in front of him when Brody was unceremoniously pushed out of the way {because how else was that person going to get to Gabe when Gabe had been standing in front of him}. He was quite aware that there were other merguards grabbing other employees as well but his attention was only on Gabriel. “Let him go!” Brody demanded, itching to reach for his wand but knowing better because… hello, he worked for DIMC and knew all about pushing international relations' boundaries; this situation could get messier than it already was. Brody’s fists clenched at his sides, his eyes fixed on Gabe. Go? He shook his head firmly, not wanting to leave for two reasons: his boss may need his help and more importantly: he wasn’t leaving the man he loved behind just like that.

It was pure chaos.

Sachin half expected Conley to be seized at any moment as well. He forgot his annoyance with his husband; it was instead replaced with worry, his heart pounding. The Ambassador watched Conley run around trying to get things under control. Sachin knew better than to interfere with that, plus as an Ambassador, he knew not to do anything stupid that would agitate an already delicate situation.

It was at the exact moment that Brody had hastily made his way over to his boss that he heard his name being called. “I’m here,’’ he replied, with much more calm and control that he felt. Stressful situations were what he could usually easily handle. “I’ll get started right away. Sachin can help.” He doubted the Indian Ambassador would want to leave Conley behind, the same way he himself didn’t want to leave Gabe behind. Brody turned to the DERP Head. “Can you relay the message to Ronan?” Merlin knew if the man would listen, Ronan always seemed to want to do things his way. He cast another look in Gabe’s direction, giving him a quick, tense smile before heading in Sachin’s direction.

lazykitty · 07-18-2022, 08:10 PM

The auror was already moving before Bumble could finish his sentence, though the diplomatic comment earned a scoff from him. Ronan could be diplomatic......when he wanted to be ~~and wasn't too busy being stubborn~~. But also, he was pretty sure the ship had sailed on the diplomacy thing the moment that the Mysteries crew had started their antics. Because of course the always overly touchy and dramatic merpeople had taken that as an insult. How could anyone not realize that they would?

Damn it, Ambassador Connolly was already being led away by one of the merpeople. And she seemed to be going willingly if the look on her face was anything to go by. Wait, was she enchanted? "Excuse me, but you seem to have collected the Scandinavian ambassador by accident," he told the merperson leading her and who seemed to be the minister's granddaughter away, with a subtle emphasis the words Scandinavian ambassador. And he didn't need to remind the merperson how bad basically abducting an international diplomat would make their species look on the world stage and how it would probably shatter any hope they had of being viewed as equals, right? They could see how this looked to the witches and wizards present and how it would seem to those with less knowledge of the situation, couldn't they?

See he could be diplomatic.

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