Before the party, the six of us met at the top of the hill already in our military get up. Everybody in army greens, boots, backpacks, "total hiking chic," Leah said approvingly.
The valet company finished setting up at the top of the hill, as we headed towards the caves.
We walked the path with Simon, and Leah explains the lights overhead leading the way for the guest.
"They will shut off after the fires go out."
Leah knelt down and pointed out a different set of lights with a soft purple glow.
"With the help from the purple lights, we will be able to find our way back, as well as using our flashlights. We'll also be in groups."
Leah continued to explain the details as we walked along the path.
"The event team hired for the party has set up trailers hidden behind the caves, camouflaged to blend in with the environment. They will put out the fires dressed like us, and then disappear back into the trailers with the DJ and other hired hands. A set of fake guest dressed in back and white will also be available at the end for safety and to eventually assist guest back along the paths. A medic is standing by as well."
Andrew and Carrie seemed much happier after learning about the backup safety plan.
Besides the original caves, two fake caves had been erected on either side. Dance floors installed in each of the new caves. Fake trees and patches of grass popped through the floors of the new party caves. Two fire pits flamed brightly in the original cave, and five cauldrons sat underneath the three caves, dry-ice misting out of the potent potion.
"What is in the potion?" Simon asked.
"Absinthe, cannabis tea, and white grape juice sugar mix," Leah answered.
"Cannabis tea?" Andrew asked.
"There is a non-cannabis version of the punch as well," Leah added. "The five of us are only allowed water. Tonight we must be alert. This is mainly a performance."
We took turns in the trailers getting our eyes bruised and ghoulish.
Daniel and his makeup minions helped us get ready, along with his designer friend, Phoenix
"Don't tell me any more details," Daniel pleaded, " I wish to partake in the full guest experience".
Simon did not say much as we finished getting ready, but I got the feeling he enjoyed being part of the group. Seeing all of us in our different versions of matching green combat uniforms, and dark circles around our eyes, I noticed a slight difference in Simon's attitude.
One of Daniel's make up minions showed us the blood capsules, she popped one in her mouth and took a dramatic bite. Blood filled her mouth and dripped all over her chin and teeth. Guest began to arrive around nine pm. The crowd appeared to be an overall younger age group. Teens and twenty-somethings. A lot of students from YA Studio and members of the Young Hollywood Elite. Julia and Leah picked the guest list based on people who really enjoyed the gold party, and people who heard about the gold party and wanted to go to the " next one", as well as fans of Barnabas and Ruby. Director Sean Stevens and twenty of his friends arrived around nine-thirty.
"Around eighty in total, I think," Julia said to Leah, after a rough headcount.
The music blasted loud and hypnotic as the guest became buzzed and high. The guest in white looked like members of a cult, dancing about in white linen pants, and breezy bohemian white dresses. The guest in black looked like vampire-ninjas. Most of the guest attempting to fit the look referencing the gold party, chose to go with more avant-garde makeup and hair. White streaks under the eyes and lips painted white. The black crew, goth black lips, and smokey eyes.
