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Hope was in the middle of taking her fourth picture of Claud and Winda as they clucked and pecked at a bowl of seed the mayor himself had put out as if expecting the feathered company. She just couldn't get over how cute the couple was in their miniature bow tie and hat: upon first seeing them she immediately found herself wondering if Alex had made them at Olivias request. The thought reminded her that she also needed to snap a few photos of the always attention grabbing Diva-maybe even a group shot of all the birds?! 

The amazing idea she was in the middle of was interrupted as Hope noticed an actual stranger in the party. Seeing a stranger in Valbree was odd, seeing a stranger in Valbree stuffing pieces of his food into his dirty pockets though was even weirder. Was he some sort of homeless guy or something? She was about to go and introduce herself only to watch as Olivia seemed to have the same idea; quickly Hope snapped a photo of the two from a few feet away.

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[i]"...and that's how I got this hat! Fascinating story, isn't it?"[/i] The mayor asked rhetorically, fully expecting all to be in agreement. In truth he had somehow drug out a five minute purchase at Alexanders shop into a half hour story complete with several long pauses where he himself had seemingly almost been put to sleep by his own words. The unfortunate late attendants to the party had been givein the "honor" of getting to sit closest to the Mayor: admittidley some opted to stand instead. [i]"Oh. That reminds me, just the other day I was walking to the cafe...or was it the bar? Hmm...Let me think on it for a moment..."[/i]

Those that knew the old man could tell Mayor McByrd was winding himself up for another long winded story: the way his eyes glazed over from behind his glasses and the particular way he would stroke at his beard were all sure fire signs you were dangerously close to a story about nothing in particular. "Oh Godess no..." Came a familiar moan from the young blacksmith Red-having been one of the "lucky" two people actually sitting right next to the mayor this was going to be his third "riveting" story of the night. Despite his negative attitude though Red had always held a soft spot for McByrd and because of this he quickly found himself adding "...uh, I gotta go refill my glass. I don't want to miss the next [i]great[/i] story." Quickly he chugged what was left of the totally not empty cup while getting up from his seat. 

The mayor nodded in complete understanding [i]"Of course, my boy! Hurry back now though, lest these other youngins make me start talking. You know how people love my stories." [/i] 

"Of course Mayor...great party, like always." The way Red spoke at the end almost made it sound like he was sadly sighing the words. He was trying to convince himself he had come for just the food and drink tonight, and in his mind the real show stealer had been Olivia's wine, though the main reason he had actually left the house was due to the sheer persistence and annoyance of his sister. Leaveing the table Red had no intention of returning. In fact, he was heading for the stone steps that lead away from the party entirely. As far as he was concerned he had fulfilled his sisters annoying demand for him to socialize despite actually talking to anyone and now only wanted to go home and take yet another shower to try and remover the remaining sparkles that still occasionally shone brightly despite the growing night.
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Hope was in the process of giving her most recent picture a good shake in an effort to help it develope a little faster. While doing this she had been people watching out of pure habit, sort of looking for her next picture, when she saw Astrid giving her dog a good pet. Seeing what was essentialy her neighbor gave Hope a momentary feeling of guilt she refused to let show on her face-not for necessarily ever having done anything wrong or scandalous to Astrid but just for the fact that they lived so close and yet Hope really didn't know her all that well. She couldn't help but blame herself. Determined to start the New Year off right she walked over to where Astrid currently was. 

[color=red]"Heya, its Astrid right? I'm Hope, Red's little sister. You know, the ugly blacksmith with a bad attitude that's currently trying to sneak out of the party, sometimes buys ore from you?"[/color] She gave a slight chuckle at her own joke while kneeling down to Fluffy's level. Extending a hand out slightly while keeping a respective distance she made it clear Fluffy was welcome to give her a sniff. [color=red]"She's such a beautiful dog. Whats her name? Oh, and I love your outfit by the way...Sorry If I'm rambling."[/color] She gave Astrid a big genuine smile [color=red]"Kinda do that when I meet new people."[/color]

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Watching Red walk off the Mayor had mustered all his self control and lasted for a whole minute and a half before breaking his promise and began speaking-though to be fair Aizum had just passed by in an extremely eye catching suit. Walking that closely to the mayor in something that flashy was a sure fire way to attract his attention.

Reaching a hand out as if to grab at the younger man in an effort to get his attention, but being a good foot or so away it came off as more of a waive. "[i]Aizum! Aizum my boy!" Apparently everyone was his 'boy' or 'kiddo' or many other variations. "That suit is marvelous! It looks uhm...oddly familiar...hrmm...Say, be a good lad and get an old man another glass of the good stuff, please?"[/i] He finished by giving Aizum the old "puppy dog eyes" look from behind his half rim glasses, in his hand he held out the empty cup.

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[@baraquiel][@Simple Unicycle][@PrinceAlexus]
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