Oh mercy, will it overcome us

The idea of a party was exciting, especially as the city still felt so new to Bethel. She hadn't been there long enough to make any kind of lasting acquaintances, but the prospect of a night wrapped in beautiful dresses, ornate masks, and tied up with an alcoholic bow, and she couldn't refuse. It had never mattered to Bethel before- that is the idea of not knowing anyone somewhere. Why should it matter? It was easy enough to slip on a smile, a sweet tone, and make friends regardless of whether the friend was a bottle, a glass, or a handful of kind words from a pretty face. She had made the decision to attend, if only because it meant that she could allow herself hours of preparation. What more could a girl want? Primping was one of Bethel's favorite things. What woman wouldn't want to look in the mirror and appreciate what their mother gave them?

Bethel had spent the afternoon in and out of shops along a less crowded street in the hopes that she might find a prize of a dress. Much to her delight, she had stumbled upon a kind shop owner who had a mischievous glint in her eyes while helping Bethel find the perfect dress. The dress they had decided upon together originally hadn't looked like much, but the taupe and deep, deep emerald green accoutrements matched the earth-toned shades of Bethel's skin, hair, and eyes. Her mask was a complementing handful of the same palate of colors, playing on her serpent-like features. The rest of the afternoon had been spent coifing, and by the time the establishment loomed closer through the windows of the cab that she had decided to take, Bethel's hair was spinning elegantly down her back. She tipped the driver graciously, and approached the building with a thoughtful expression that didn't mirror the sultry way her hips moved hypnotically beneath the silken fabric. She walked gracefully, almost as if a slither was present. But wasn't it always?

The blonde man at the doorway looked bored, and Bethel almost had a mind to pause there and engage in some kind of conversation with him. However, a pretty brunette seemed to take that chance. Wasn't she familiar? Bethel paused, watching the woman quietly before a smile of recognition twisted it's way over her lips. The witch from the potions shop! How she wanted to thank the woman for the pendant that was currently lying flat against her chest, urging the serpent beneath her skin to lay still and quiet. The woman looked excited at the prospect of the entire event, which brought a brighter smile to Bethel's face as she approached them.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I can't tell you how much I want to thank you. The pendant is incredible, and helps more than you could ever have thought," She offered, the smile still bright. Instead of staying close, Bethel wanted to give them space to enjoy their moment alone as she assumed the woman would seek her out to speak with her more if she desired after her dance was over. With an almost skip in her step, the were-anaconda slithered her way to the bar. There were many individuals present in the room, but Bethel felt a draw to those who were set off by themselves, nursing drinks, broken hearts, or whatever other kinds of invisible injuries that might be present.

"Whatever he has, please," Bethel stated, showing the uncannily green-eyed man that she was more than happy to speak with him, but also pleasant enough to give him the space and silence if he so chose it. There was another woman close by that looked familiar, too â€" but she couldn't place her. And so, Bethel gracefully leaned on her elbow against the bar with a poise that the serpent coiled under her skin gave her.

Bethel Mercy Ayer -- were-anaconda -- played by auree