Oh mercy, will it overcome us

The sights, sounds, and stimulation from the party were incredible. It was very rare that all senses were bombarded with pleasant stimuli. Glasses clinked in kind with the glass bottles touching their rims, creating a variety of "glass half full" or "glass entirely full". The notion behind that seemed to integrate the room, lacing every conversation and bouncing off of every corner. Obviously alive and thriving, the masquerade ball was a striking opportunity to meet the society the woman had been hesitant to return to. Why enter a city that had nothing familiar? No relationships that were close enough to incite some kind of worry over her disappearance. No job, no family. The biggest positive that Bethel faced in the city was her ability to own property, even if that meant holding a simple lease in her own name. Her apartment was bare, holding only the necessities until she found either a roommate, or a steady source of income. What kind of job could she even hold, here? At home, there were hundreds of avenues for a woman of her nature, even if it meant serving a local coven of witches and warlocks. If that opportunity presented itself in this city, Bethel would not hesitate but that action would not be without incredible amounts of distaste and displeasure at the thought of servitude to unknown witches. The covens she had grown up near were familiar, even if only because the were-population of the area had served them for centuries upon centuries. This new city wasn't without copious amounts of witches, but were any of them worthy of being served?

With a deep breath, Bethel decided to let go of insecurities and doubts as she approached the bar. Her drink ordered quickly and served just as such, and Bethel eyed the man who suggested her drink be added to his tab curiously. As soon as she went to speak with him, however, his attention was wisked away onto a creature so stunning and exotic looking that Bethel could only assume she, too, was a were-creature of some kind. Were all of the weres here instinctually similar? Were they subject to similar counterparts, aiding in bringing them closer? It was a curious thought, and almost comforting that maybe there was someone like her in this city. Did they even make city limits large enough for such a thing? With a self-satisfying smile, Bethel waved off the man who had slipped away as quickly as she had approached. Instead, the quiet voice beside her tugged a string that made Bethel spin to face her. Immediately, her smile evolved from private to wry, spreading slowly to her eyes.

"I remember you," Bethel replied slowly, trying to keep the often present hiss from her voice. "You were feeding that family. I don't think I could forget something so kind," She added, noting the insecurity in the woman's voice, matching the clouded look in her eyes. "How is it a pretty girl like you is sitting here at a bar without a drink, and alone?" The words weren't judgemental or accusing, but Bethel was genuinely curious. She had followed the woman's gaze around the party as it fell on several coupled men, and found herself wondering if the woman was pining away for one of them, or if the stolen glances were simple jealousy of the companionship. With a repeat of the wry smile, Bethel returned her eyes to the other woman. "I think you have to pick one or the other: ask the dark haired man to dance when he's finished with the silly witch he's got in his arms, or have a drink with me."

Bethel had made conversation quietly, allowing the shyer woman to opt out at any point by relaxing her posture near her. A man close by quietly ordered a scotch and soda â€" a drink that resonated well with her. It was always nice to hear good taste in drinks, and the order drew another sly smile over the woman's features. She downed the rest of her drink, and nodded to the bartender.

"I'll have whatever it is he's drinking," She declared, festively winking and sliding her glass onto the bar for the bartender to retrieve.

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