Community Welcome Celebration

[sordiddetails]

Antheans celebrated very few things at this point in their civilization. Without religion or much resources the concepts had all fallen away. However, as populations crashed one celebration became paramount, the welcoming of the rare birth of child, or rather a child making it until they can leave the mother's pouch. In this family, who have lost so many children, this celebration holds a great importance.

The house was decorated in shear fabrics of many colors. Some were solid others sported wild or botanical patterns. The entire outside of the home and the inside were draped in colored and patterned fabrics which may be overwhelming to those not used to them. Since many of the guests might be too large or uncomfortable with so many close in small house there is also an outdoor gazebo like tent set up which is made of similar fabrics. This was where Aletayria would sit.

There were also tables that mostly held Anthean foods. Their foods were profiled in the crunchy, sour, and bitter ranges of taste with some saltiness. Bland perhaps to many without a trace of sweetness aside from a mildly alcoholic fruit drink that often opened their senses. The near black liquid is labeled with a warning to those who might have mental abilities. There are trays of brittle, thin and crisp wafers that a human might equate with pita chips and various trays of dried vegetables and leaves. There are some conspicuously human foods too. Pickles, potato chips, hard and strong flavored cheeses and deviled eggs. Food was traditional to share in this celebration as it was one of few that brought any large number of Antheans to one place.

Invitations had gone out on Tom's suggestion. Antheans needed no such thing because they could sense the new mind but the reminder that other Nexus denizens would need an invite was important. Those had been sent out days beforehand. Of course, strangers and anyone else could stop by as well. The Antheans believed the more people that say the baby in their first day, the better their health, survival and future would be.

At the appointed time, Aletayria went out into the gazebo to take guests. Zayda, out of the pouch and aware. Her eyes, bright blueish-green but slit eyed just like her mother and brother but the hair just as red and shockingly so against the extra pale skin of an Anthean baby. She was also starting to make verbal noises though, like a human baby, they didn't hold much sense yet. She was wrapped in brightly patterned striped knitted blanket, a gift from her older brother and mother wore a dress traditional to old Anthean customs before the society collapsed. Even Tom, who was about fussing with things donned bright green to be more in line with traditions.


[OOC: Visual Guide for Tom and Aletayria's house]

Comments

[sweetcandygirl]

Believe it or not... but Harley Quinn has not had many invitation to attend a baby shower before. So of course when Jack invited her, she made sure to come.

She even made an effort to dress in her least colorful clothing options... which was still colorful since it included a bright yellow jump suit, and a bright neon pink halter top.

Harley arrived with a large diaper cake as her baby gift. She didn't know a lot about children herself... and had slowly learned more after spending time with the adopted children of Loki. But one thing that she knew was needed was supplies. All the diapers and products were all natural, made from plants and vegetation that came from Pamela's care.

[sordiddetails]

Colorful here is welcome and wanted. Here her mix of colors and patterns would be seen as normal because of the Anthean love of color. It's not hard to find mom.

Like Ziggy and Jack, she is exaggerated in her thinness and height, even more than the children. Her eyes yellow and slit pupiled. Zayda is sitting in her lap looking wide-eyed at the colors coming toward them.

The Anthean though has no idea what this gift is. She's gracious though and questions. "What is this?"

However, the plush toys she reaches out and touches because those she knows.

[guitar_voodoo]

Dressed in a smart suit this time instead of his usual glam sparkly stage wear, Mick entered into the Stardust's residence carrying a present in his right hand. Wrapped up in pink paper, he hoped that Ziggy's mother and father would appreciate the small baby gift for Zayda.

He wasn't used to all this giving gifts at births since back home it hadn't really taken off as much as within the Nexus it seemed. Yet, he was here in spirit; his guitar still strapped to him but inside it's case. Music might be a point later on in the evening so it was best to be prepared. Just being in the same room with Ziggy's parents caused the blond to be nervous as to what they might speak to him about.

"Mr and Mrs Jones? I got little Zayda a small something to play with. Might help her with teething later on when her teeth do come through."

Mick presented the small wrapped present to Aletayria and inside is guitar-shaped baby rattle.

[sordiddetails]

Tom is standing with his wife when Mick arrives. He's been checking in on her, probably more than she would want, but Tom fretted over the child.

Aletayria put her hand on Mick's forearm and looked down at the small baby in her lap. "Her fangs are already out."

She offers the gift to Tom to open and encourages Mick to sit on the bench beside her. "Do you want to hold her?"

"You can call me Tom." He tells the guitarist while unwrapping the package. He instantly laughs and nods. "I'm not surprised you found a guitar."

[angelic_asshole]

Balthazar had indeed come bearing gifts as any angel should and for such an esteemed event as meeting little Zayda and her proud parents. The angel was dressed in his smart maroon suit. smiled broadly at all the colours and the lovely table spreads with food and drink. No doubt he would be filling a glass with something strong once the celebrations started. But first the present and the polite meet and greet to Ziggy and Jack's parents.

"Ah, Tom, Aletayria. I have something here for little Zayda. It's nice and soft, baby safe too."

Passing the present to Aletayria, Balthazar smiled warmly at the tall Anthean, noticing her particularly colourful dress she wore. As soon as she will unwrap it, she'll notice it's an angel bear suitable for a baby.

"Congratulations to both of both of you. She's such a cutie."

[sordiddetails]

Tom smiles at the angel when he comes to join them. "Your partner is in the house with my kid, probably getting into too much booze from all the laughing I've heard."

"Thank you." Aletayria takes his hand encouraging him to sit. "It's tradition for everyone in the family to hold the new baby."

Family was a very extended concept to Antheans, probably what humans would call extended family they would treat as a nuclear family concept.

[itmeanstruth]

The twins wouldn’t miss a celebration like this, and came to the Stardust house with multiple gifts in hand.

Undoubtedly, later, they’d sample the food and drink as they mingled with various friends. (The last few weeks had been so hard for Ziggy, especially. He hoped the celebration would lift his spirits more than remind him of things that could have been.)

But for now, they brought their gifts to Tom and Aletayria.

Isamu, naturally, obtained some colorful books, because, as he put it, you are never too young to begin loving books.

He also had a couple jars of pickled vegetables with ingredients that he had brought back from Japan when he used his PINpoint to obtain omamori for the Dawning. He thought the flavor profile would be appreciated if, after thorough tests were run, the food was deemed safe for Anthean consumption.

Minoru took some inspiration from Zayda’s older brother with his gift - a rattle in the shape of a microphone that made plenty of sounds all on its own - especially after Isamu reprogrammed it to play Ziggy Stardust songs.

“Ohhhh... she’s so adorable! Who’s the lucky huntress?” Minoru cooed at the baby.

“I concur. And today is a momentous day worthy of much celebration.” Isamu added. “Congratulations, Tom and Aletayria, on the formal addition of a new member of your family.”

[sordiddetails]

After the exchange of gifts, thank yous, and hugs from the parents if the twins were amiable to them, Aletayria was encouraging Isamu to join her where she was seated.

"I've spent a lot of time talking to your brother and he's met Zayda. Sit with me and you can hold her if you want."

Tom turned his attention to Minoru with a smile. "I haven't had a chance to talk to you much since... well the concert. I hope things are better?"

Tom is the ever concerned father, for his own kids and most of everyone else's too for that matter.

[chiaro_oscuro]

If anyone asked Ben why he's there, he was attracted by the food, though he knows enough about the Anthean species to know they have a very different sense of taste than humans do. But he feels obliged to stop by and say hello to the newest member of the Stardust family. He's in the sloppy "dress clothes" again, including the dented fedora Marion gave him.

He's here with what looks like soft toys from his galaxy. The Jawas must be really wondering what's going on with him, given some of the things he bargains with them for.

He hasn't seen any babies here yet, but since he's something of a family friend through association via Psycho Mantis he decided that he may as well pay a friendly visit.

[sordiddetails]

When Ben arrives Aletayria is up walking around for a bit and Zayda is in her arms sleeping quietly.

"Ben, it is good to see you again under more pleasant circumstances." She's genuinely happy to see him again.

[soundwave_ascendant]

Soundwave wouldn't have missed this for the world, even if he does have to mass-displace. Holo-avatars just don't do the job, when you're dealing with fellow telepaths.

He was really only barely aware of what baby Zayda looked like or how much she had changed since they first met; what stood out to him was that her mind was growing and her energy field was more radiant.

{Delighted to be here,} he greets Aletayria, before looking down at the little one tenderly; he has removed his mask and visor, but not his helm. {Zayda. Friend Soundwave. Remember?}

Ravage was with him of course, and she had put on the drape Aletayria had given her, along with the string of rubies she liked to wind over it. (Soundwave had made her promise she could get it off and into subspace fast enough not to delay them if they had to get away quickly, and she had reminded him that PINpoint teleportation was even faster than being a sports car, which would in any case have been ridiculously tiny given that they were mass-displaced.)

"Everything is just lovely," says Ravage. "And Aletayria, you both look even lovelier." She smiles at Zayda. She hasn't got Soundwave's parental instincts, not even a tenth of them, but Zayda is precious and adorable.

She is also carrying the gifts that they are bringing on behalf of the family. There is a fully lined and padded basket, of a sort that Ravage distantly remembers having liked to sleep in with her siblings, millions of years ago, and in it are a metal ball with a touchscreen, a rather large, soft toy cybercat covered in fine metal mesh that looks rather like Ravage herself, and two absurdly tiny capes made out of the same material, one in Aletayria's size and one much smaller, too big for Zayda now, but she will grow into it. The kitten is black, however the capes change colour when the light hits them from different angles.

[sordiddetails]

Here among mixed guests she speaks and uses telepathy, especially since some of the guests are very new to the presence of aliens. "Soundwave and Ravage. It is good to have you here to share in our joy."

Zayda is not only much louder but she is aware. Bright blue green slit, cat-like, eyes that focus on the large moving people as her mother approaches them. She doesn't move much physically but the mental sense of intensity and grabbing is there, like any small baby.

"The fabric suits you and the way you move." It is a traditional compliment filled with a familial affection. Pausing she looks at the basket and then up at the two Decepticons with a little mischief and a lot of affection.

"Perhaps you will fulfill one of our traditions while I accept the gifts?" She asks and then turns to Soundwave. "It's our tradition that extended family hold a new baby so that they can connect. I will not force this because I understand size differences might be disconcerting but I can't forego offering."

Aletayria could see someone so large finding it too nervewracking to hold a living thing much smaller than a human baby, more the size of a premature human, though her body is developed and ready to be out. "Both of you are welcome to hold her."

[ginger_firebird]

It's an honor of it's own kind to be deemed important enough to attend a baby shower, and Mantis feels a bit silly, if proud, of how his appearance has changed with all the colors. Ziggy's new outfit is stunning on him and has a flair of color and sparkle most unline anything Mantis sought out in his own time. He wobbles only a little on his new heels and several bags float behind him as he makes his way to Aletayria and Zayda. Seeing mother and child gives him pause enough that he slows his step in the final approach. The bagged gifts arrange themselves in front of him and he bows with a small flair of holding one arm over his waist and the other behind him.

"May the world bring you both joy, love, and good health." He rises to his full, and now enhanced, height. "I've brought gifts for the family. It didn't feel right when she has several people in the home who are part of taking care of her."

Zayda has a dress fit for a tiny princess, her brother a collection of shiny and colorful fabrics, Aletayria a soft robe and slippers as well as a necklace with a bird-shaped charm, Tom a wonderful sweater with a built in pouch for carrying Zayda in, and for Tommy, he found an similar sweater to Tom, but in a different size. There's no sense in just honoring the baby on a day like this. This is very much a family affair.

[sordiddetails]

"May the sun always brighten your horizon." This traditional Anthean blessing seemed an appropriate response to the greeting from Mantis.

"Our family is large and it wasn't necessary." But the look of gratitude shows her thanks for them.

"She will have to grow into this dress." Aletayria says while starting to look at the gifts. "While I look at the others, you should come sit and hold her."

She looks up from the bags. "It's the tradition of our people for the extended family and those close to a new baby to hold them. It helps the baby bond to her family."

[eumenis]

Furiosa was a little surprised to receive an invitation, but extremely touched. The Vuvalini had events like this, to greet new babies into the world, but as soon as she arrives, she realizes this one is a lot less boisterous than theirs were, and seems to feature less moonshine. That's probably for the best.

She has a gift with her, a terra-cotta urn in her arms spilling over with rosettes of green succulent leaves. She has already seen the baby, of course, way back at Hallowe'en, but she was a kangaroo then. She wonders if she'll remember her.

[sordiddetails]

Aletayria remembers the woman, more by smell than sight given she met her as an animal rather than a humanoid. By her look Aletayria wonders now if she is from Jack's world. She has some of the same look and vibes.

She approaches her when she sees her carrying the larger pots. "You don't have your wings?"

Aletayria had assumed that they were armor when she was a kangaroo but maybe they weren't appropriate for a party or this kind of party. She still doesn't understand all the ins and outs of human celebrations.

Zayda is in her arms, laying over her arm and covered by the blanket so she can see the environment. She doesn't move much but her eyes are wide and tracking. Excitement in her empathetic presence when they get to this new person.

[coffee_elf]

Rondo would not miss this for the world! He's barely met Aletayria, but he liked Tom well enough, and of course he has very strong feelings for Ziggy--and this is his new baby sister. It's a joyous occasion as far as he's concerned, although he has no idea what to expect as far as the celebration itself.

He's starting to feel like the Nexus Lantern Distributor, but they're applicable to so many occasions it only makes sense. This time he opted for a non-traditional route, because even if it is traditional to have an oil lamp, it seems to him like a bad idea to have a lit fire in a baby's room. Instead, he has a star projector night light, which he bought in the Nexus to make sure its power source was compatible.

His outfit is much more subdued than what he wore to Ziggy's concert, a draped golden kurta over a striped skirt and plain sandals that criss-cross over his ankles. His hair is wrapped up in a loose bun on the back of his head, held up with a jeweled pin.

[sordiddetails]

Ziggy's mother is even taller and thinner than her son. It's when she is up walking around to stretch her legs after sitting so long that she notices the tiny elf. Though she hasn't met him before she can feel the rising affection as he arrives. That tells her enough to know where he likely fits into the family.

"Good afternoon." Like Ziggy, she feels uncomfortable towering over him and squats down to be more on his level. Zayda is in her arms wrapped up in a rainbow blanket and wide awake. The curiosity and happiness loud in the empathy coming off the baby.

[onward_and_upward]

There was no way that Astro wouldn't want to be there and celebrate with his little sister. In fact, the robot teenager helped the family decorate the house (flying did come in handy for those high places!). He was also only too happy to help out during the party and get anything that Aletayria or Tom would need and pick up any empty plates or used cups from the tables. He had even helped deliver some of the invitations.

To take part in Anthean tradition, Astro managed to find the brightest rainbow swirly tie dye hoodie that he could find in one of the Nexus shops downtown. Needless to say, he was very easy to spot by the garment alone and not just his distinctive pointy hair.

After his latest round of checking the tables of food and drink, Astro came back into the gazebo like tent. He was all smiles as he sat next to Aletayria and reached out a hand in open fondness to both her and Zayda. "Hey.." He greeted with an awkward pause, still too shy to blurt 'mom' out loud. He leaned into the Anthean very gently, still smiling before he cooed at Zayda. "Having fun?"

[sordiddetails]

She comfortably shifts Zayda to hold her on one side so she can slip her other arm around the boy.

"It's a little tiring." She admits. "But I'm glad to see so many here considered as family."

She kisses his forehead and looks down at Zayda yawning. "Are you having fun?"

[spacetaser]

She had been pleased to get an invitation.

This wouldn't be the first time that Katiri had gone to a gathering hosted by the Stardust family. The first time was when they had all met at Ziggy's house after they had been attacked. She had come at Ben's invitation. Then later, she saw Ziggy perform at his concert and met Jack. She had also seen the family from a distance at the Dawning (but later found out that Widget had enjoyed meeting them). Now she had been invited to meet their newest family member. The Guardian still considered herself a pseudo protector of sorts for them when she was present in the Nexus and always checked up on their well being.

Katiri arrived, wearing blue and white robes that shimmered with metallic embroidery. The band around her upper left arm was lit by a glowing blue snowflake. Luce drifted at her shoulder, still in his True North Shell, trailing glittering sparkles in his wake. The Guardian was armed with her sword, sheathed at her back with the hilt poking up over her shoulder. Knowing the Antheans were genetic pacifists, she refrained from wearing any other visible weapons (though she'd be able to get Luce to transmat anything she might need to her in an emergency).

She was carrying what looked like a small potted bonsai in her hands, but it was obvious that the plant was not from Earth. The only similarity it held to the Earth plant was it's size and shape. It's bark, small twisty branches and leaves shimmered and glowed with it's own soft purple inner light - glittering like thousands of tiny little jewels the color of Amethyst. It was delicate and almost glasslike as it glittered in the daylight.

The Awoken paused at the entrance to the tent quietly, not wanting to disrupt any conversation. When she was seen, the ethereal woman simply dipped in a gesture that was a cross between a bow and slight curtsy.

"Lady Stardust." Katiri greeted in gentle politeness with a small smile.

Luce drifted from over his Guardian's shoulder until he was hovering between her and the mother and child. "Hello!" He greeted cheerfully. "Thanks for inviting us." His optic tilted down at the baby and the Ghost made a cooing sound. "Aren't you cute and colorful!" He chuckled gently.

[sordiddetails]

"My son's name is not the same as mine. I'm Mrs Jones, or Aletayria." She could understand the confusion between her name and what her husband said sometimes and the name her child had taken for the stage. "I don't think we've met yet."

She rises out of the chair to greet them both, her yellow eyes tilting up to Ghost curiously. If either of them are sensitive to empathy they can easily feel Zayda's sleepy happiness.

"This is Zayda." She holds the small baby up, wrapped in her colorful blanket, so that Ghost can get a better look. Though she doesn't move much, her bright blue-green eyes track to the people before her, especially focusing on any glowing bits. The desire to grab things loud in her presence though she's still too young to reach so far.

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale is naturally quite excited to be invited to the introduction of Zayda to the Nexus, as he loves babies, finding them utterly adorable. As he arrives at the property, he's briefly distracted by the interesting food and drink on display, but continues on to the gazebo undeterred. Refreshments can wait until after he greets the proud parents.

In addition to the blessing he wishes to give the baby, he has a wrapped present in his arms, about the size of a breadbox. He's uncertain about Anthean custom, but in human culture, a gift for the new baby is customary. Besides, he had a great deal of fun shopping for something appropriate.

[sordiddetails]

Among Antheans which had a feast or famine style eating there would be no insult in going to food first. Though she is bright in presence when she sees the angel. Joy and contact is something that Antheans share freely and there is something about him that reflects that feeling enough that she gives him a one armed hug while greeting him.

"It is good that you have come." The hug is brief but full of familial affection. Extended family and community are important to her species.

Zayda looks up at the field of white, blinking her blue green, slit pupiled eyes a few times before a giggle comes, not verbal but telepathically from the baby.

"You've brought a gift." She motions toward the bench she was sitting on under the curtained gazebo like small pavilion. "we can share customs."

Gifts weren't always necessary among Antheans but she had learned to appreciate them since Tom was a gift giver always.

Ziggy and Jack

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy wanted to be out celebrating but he just couldn't. He had lost the chance at a family and it brought out his isolation. Intellectually he knew there would be other chances in his long life but emotionally that seemed a flawed thought. He had been drinking when Jack arrived.

It was Jack that pulled him out of the funk with drinking and Charlie. Charlie had fallen asleep which left the two hybrids sitting on the floor at the coffee table drinking heavily and playing cards. Charlie curled up in Ziggy's lap with a small blanket over him.

Re: Ziggy and Jack

[angelic_asshole]

Balthazar thanked both Tom and Aletayria for being invited to the celebration and for the chance to hold little Zayda. He even heard whisperings of her telepathic abilities reaching into his soul. It was heart warming indeed. Now, the angel wanted to mingle with the guests and find his eye-patched partner, who was of course getting drunk with his twin.

"Ah, there you are. Starting the party without me, darling?"

The angel walking up to greet both Ziggy and Jack, dressed in his smart maroon suit. Of course little Charlie had fallen asleep and was curled up on Ziggy's lap under a blanket. Such a cute scene indeed.

"Cards, is it? I suppose strip poker is a little crass for such an occasion such as this."

[tryingitall]

Balthazar is fashionably late, as is his habit. He's dressed mostly in charcoal grey, but with a pale pink knit shirt, hoping to distinguish himself visually from his alternate. He supposes they're all slowly drawing together into an extended family unit, in a way, but the other Balthazar is far closer.

He waves hello when he enters, but makes rather a beeline for the mother and infant. "Hello! I had to find just the right one of these to bring. I think this will do, it's nice and soft and the vendor said it's baby safe..."

He's got a plush sugar glider toy, only slightly smaller than the baby herself.

[sordiddetails]

She smiles as he approaches but can tell immediately that this is a different Balthazar. He feels different to her in presence though she can't quite put her finger on it until he produces the toy.

"Oh." She looks up at him as her cheeks flush red with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry about the last time we met."

Stuffing, what she now sees is a grown man who had been a squirrel, into her intimate parts, even when she hadn't known any better, was mortifying in many way.

"I'm glad to see you again when we are both more.. ourselves."

Zayda however is broadcasting excitement. She remembers cuddling with this presence when she was much younger. She wants to snuggle with him again.

[sordiddetails]

"My husband will never turn down a challenge." She says with loving amusement. "I will introduce you if you haven't met him. He will know if any of your technology might help my species too."

Aletayria looks to the people gathered on her lawn and thinks about her family before speaking. "So many I've met here are looking to make thier own homes better. I think it is the type of people attracted to this place."

Aletayria smiles and struggles to pick up the plant but manages. She's still adjusting to the gravity. Zayda mentally coos at Furiosa and then smiles a little. Her bright green eyes turning to the woman and squinting up a little.

"You will be a good mother someday, if you are not already to blood or kin." Aletayria could feel it and shifted the pot to put a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Come with me."