fiddlestick: (reunion)
Elliot "actual disney princess" Craig ([personal profile] fiddlestick) wrote in [community profile] middaeg2019-10-01 03:32 pm

[Semi-Closed] Trails of Welcoming Party

Who: Class VII, SSS and any friends they invited
When: Evening of October 1st
Where: Trails House!
What: Welcome to Aefenglom/Post-Dorchacht party!
Warnings: An obscene use of tacky decor. Also liquor.



Having the forewarning of the dream that some classmates were coming, the members of Class VII decided to hold a welcome party not just for their old friends, but invite the friends they've made in their time there. The days after their return from Dorchacht, they went straight into preparation work. Setting up their home for new occupants, preparing food, planning activities, and decorating.

On the evening of the 1st, after more emotional reunions were done earlier near the Coven, the party begins. Already from the entry hallway balloon decorations, you can tell this will be a party to remember. The living room too is full of balloon decorations which were put up more clumsily by decorators who spent so much time on the entry hallway they ran out of time. Above it all hangs a giant glitter banner with names hastily enchanted on, giving warm welcome to their old classmates.

Balloons aren't the only decorations. There's magicked bubbles, floating around the room with glitter within that forms the names of the people near them (though the spelling might be off). There's pirate octopus lanterns, random seasonal wall hangings, streamers, poppers, kazoos, party hats for people to wear and all sorts of other random (but also tacky) decorations. The entire first floor and courtyard are covered in these decorations.

A lot of thought was put into planning this party. Was it good thought? That's debatable, but they were thoughts.

I. The Food
What's a party but its selection of food? Despite the questionable decorations, the food table in the dining room is nothing to snuff at. There's a whole spread made of easy party foods: kebabs, mini sandwiches, chips and dip, wings, and vegetable platters. For those with a sweet tooth, there's a build your own crepes station with ice cream and fruit with handmade crepe shells. Towa, with the help of Shinji and Elliot, worked hard to make the food as delicious as possible.

Among Towa's dishes are a few brought by some thoughtful guests. These are a bit more varied in quality...from Ignis's made (and Prompto delivered) fine new recipes to Zack's more questionable fae jello cake that's enchanted to make you giggle if you're brave enough to eat it. Food wasn't asked of the guests, but they won't turn away anyone's kind donations.

Lastly, the drink table is well supplied with juices, ciders, and other cold drinks found in the city. For those looking for alcohol, there's some available - along with a sign written by Lloyd reminding folks not to drink if they're underage. Decide to ignore the sign? You'll need some help, as the alcohol bottles have been enchanted not to pour for anyone under 18. Next to the drink table, there's another table devoted entirely to freshly brewed coffees and teas.

II. The Games
Every party needs good entertainment, and there's plenty to be had. Spread out throughout the party, there's different activity stations. Some are more traditional party games- like pin the tail on the faun, pictionary, make balloon animals or other crafts, etc. There's a spot with decks of cards for card games in the living room, some traditional cards and some magicked to be Zemurian-based card games. Out in the courtyard, a few chess sets have been set up for anyone who fancies a logical game. In the music room, there's music playing on record for anyone who wishes to dance, and a keyboard for anyone who wants to play. Or...try your hand at the bagpipes in there. Why not.

Once it's dark enough outside, a corner of the yard becomes devoted to playing with sparklers and small fireworks. They're magically enchanted to be different colors and shapes. In the opposite corner, there's a bonfire set up with marshmallows to roast and plenty of chairs to sit and talk. Both areas have been stalked up with easy-to-use water spell scrolls - in case anything gets out of hand.

If you're looking just for some good conversation to get to know people? There's jars throughout the party with paper slips which have questions on them meant for conversation. Some are silly ("What superpower would you want?") while some are more thought-provoking ("What's your third favorite memory?") - though most of them are pretty light in levity.

III. Quiet Spots
While festitives are fun and all, everyone needs a little quiet once and awhile. The first floor and outside are devoted to party activities, but there's a couple rooms opened on the second floor that are nice and quiet. Enchantments have been put up to muffle sound from downstairs. Any valuables have been stashed away elsewhere, so you won't find anything worth taking.
overworker: ToCSIII screenshot (pic#13376460)

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-06 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh please... it's not that big of a deal.

[But she can't deny she has a soft spot for this gremlin friend of hers.]

You understand how Bonds work, right? Well... a person can have as many as three, safely. I have one now, but there's someone else I'd like to ask. That's all.

[She's not embarrassed, nah, that's just your imagination.]
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Smile; Jerkbird (13114081)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
"Not that big a deal," she says... These Bonds seem like pretty serious business to me.

[ He grins at her. ]

Already got one and looking for another, though...? That's pretty impressive.

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 04:07 am (UTC)(link)
It's just--

[No. She can't lie. There's nothing "just" anything about it. At least, not for her. She does see them as something special to her, even if she knows that it's not really all that.]

...I may have been told I have a habit of overthinking them. It's not as simple as having one meaning-- Bonds mean all kinds of different things to people.

[And she is absolutely not getting into that with you-- why is she even still humoring this?]
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Body Language; Hand Behind Head (13116414)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
You have a habit of overthinking most things.

[ He loves you Towa, but he calls it like he sees it. ]

I still don't know a lot about these Bonds. So I'm curious... What does it mean to you?

[ He's not actually sure she'll answer that one but he's curious enough to ask anyway. ]

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
[It would be far easier not to answer. Yet her mouth opens and... she closes it again, thinking for another short moment.]

You really want to know?

[Crow will have to learn sooner or later anyway-- she doesn't know how seriously he'll take it anyway, but with the risks, the sooner he knows, the better. That will give him time to figure things out on his own.]

A Bond is a special connection... for me, that means it can't be just anyone. It's... tying a piece of yourself to another person... so I had a hard time with it at first. Without a Bond, the consequences are both deadly and terrifying.

So being someone's Bond means a lot of different things. It's wanting to protect them, and letting them protect you in turn. It's being different, but each person making up for what the other lacks. It's being willing to let them feel what you feel, and being able to feel their feelings too.

I'm really proud of the Bond I have. It... means more to me than I can really put into words.

[More words than she really needs to share for this lesson.]

But I also want to become a stronger person. For him, and for the other people I want to protect. So I think the best way to do that is to keep pushing myself.

As for what it'll be for you... well, that's up to you to decide.
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Smile; Wink (13117474)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ Crow does seem to be taking her at least somewhat seriously, nodding along as she speaks. ]

I see. ...You really have put a lot of thought into it, huh?

[ It's up to him to decide.

The problem is this-- Crow is not particularly keen on dying again. Dying once sucked, dying twice would suck even more. He hears her mention of the consequences and it's not like he isn't taking them seriously. But...

...But.

"It's being willing to let them feel what you feel, and being able to feel their feelings too."

And he really doesn't know what means more to him, his life or his secrets. And even if she knows most of them now, even if most of them do, Crow's feelings... Letting someone know everything... He's genuinely not sure he can let someone in that close.

But none of these thoughts show on his face and he grins.
]

Think I could use it to pick up girls?

[ He winks at her. ]
overworker: ToCSIII screenshot (pic#13376469)

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, well... I had some time. The first temporary Bond I tried didn't go so well.

[She can tell he's taking her seriously... at least, for the better part of her little speech. That just makes it all the worse when he comes out with that at the end. They both know he doesn't mean that. The frustration she feels is real, but she doesn't know what she can do. Even knowing as much as they all do now, is there anyone among them that Crow would be willing to truly let in?

The idea of being powerless to stop her friend from walking a self-destructive path again... it terrifies her, and tears at her heart.

Inaction will get her nowhere, and yet she's afraid to really go there.
]

Maybe if they were completely drunk and didn't know any better.
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Body Language; Annoyed (13114051)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 05:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ Crow knew Towa could've called him on that bluff and it's genuinely a relief she doesn't. Maybe it's just been put off for now or maybe he can permanently avoid it-- but it's too serious a conversation to have at a party. ]

Hey! I don't need 'em to be drunk to hook up!
overworker: ToCSIII Screenshot (pic#13263260)

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 05:32 am (UTC)(link)
[It's only a matter of time, surely. But this is supposed to be a happy occasion. For now, they all deserve to enjoy this.]

You did say that as a witch you wouldn't use your magic to interfere, after all.

[So.]

...but if you want, I can ask Fie to set you up for speed dating the next time an event comes around. Better you than me.
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Manga; Annoyed; Bitch Plz (13224814)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
[ RUDE? ]

I have a nice face and a great personality, who needs alcohol or magic?

[ He's just saying! ]

Though I wouldn't say no to some speed dating.
overworker: fan art (pic#13474967)

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 05:43 am (UTC)(link)
And yet you've never had great luck with women.

[FRIENDSHIP.]

...maybe it's just not meant to be.
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Annoyed; Grumpy (13116460)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 05:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ FRIENDSHIP! It's an easy, comfortable pattern to fall into and even as he's dramatically flailing, he's glad for it. ]

It's not my fault Gelica kept swooping in and stealing all the girls!

[ That's his excuse and he's sticking to it. It's certainly easier to go with than "I was too busy being a terrorist to really purse romance." ]

Just you watch, my luck'll be much better without her here!
overworker: ToCSIII screenshot (pic#13460947)

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 05:54 am (UTC)(link)
How did I know you were going to blame Angie...?

[Because this Crow is predictable and lame-- but still the Crow that was one of their best friends and important enough that they'd fight against all odds to get him back despite everything else.

Their dear, special friend...
]

You two are actually pretty similar in that regard, though.

[...]

Oh! Who knows-- maybe you'd have better luck with the guys?

[Crow, you 100% absolutely deserve this.]
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Annoyed; Bitch Plz (13116746)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 06:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ Crow may have had his secrets through most of their friendship, but it's not as if these parts of him had been entirely false-- there was plenty of genuine interaction there... Lame as it might have been.

And if he'd regretted anything, it had been this-- missing out on these dumb conversations.
]

Are you kidding, we're nothing alike.

[ The reason they get along so well-- and the reason they clash a lot-- is, in fact, because they're alike. ]

And I'll pass, thanks.

[ Actually, it's not like he isn't interested in guys, but he's absolutely not getting into that either right now. ]
overworker: ToCSIII Screenshot (pic#13272813)

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 06:13 am (UTC)(link)
Riiiight.

[Crow, honey, you may think she doesn't know, but she knows.]

Heehee... suit yourself. Well, I'll be rooting for you either way.
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Manga; Annoyed; Bitch Plz (13224814)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 06:16 am (UTC)(link)
[ Crow does in fact think she doesn't know-- thinks he's been subtle about that and that he doesn't have any extremely obvious crushes. ]

Says the woman who keeps insisting I can't get a date.

[ He knows she really is but he can't help but give her grief for that. ]

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
[Crow is an idiot, but he's still one of her idiots.]

Well one of us has to have some luck.

[She has to have SOMEONE to root for. It sure as heck will never be. You know. Herself.]

There's still some hope for you yet.

[There's a lot for him to work through, but she has faith in him that with the chance, he can do it.]
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Smile; Jerkbird; Confident; Bitch Plz (13116411)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ Towa is a far better friend than Crow deserves. ]

Didn't you say you already have one Bond and might be getting another? It may not be quite the same thing but it sounds like you're not wanting for luck.

[ Talking about her feelings is much safer than talking about his own. ]
overworker: ToCSI screenshot (pic#13371523)

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 06:43 am (UTC)(link)
I-it's not like that, really!

[Wow, this hairpin turn back into dangerous territory is not what she was expected, and it unfortunately does a good job of catching her off guard despite the fact that she was the one who gave him the opening. She sighs and shakes her head.]

I told you. Everyone views Bonds in their own way. There are plenty of ways to interpret them. I may have a Bond, but it probably wouldn't matter who it was, he would have accepted anyway.

[Her own feelings are a completely different matter which she makes a fine habit of trying to keep to herself.]

...but I am grateful. He didn't need to, but he was still willing to in the end.
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Body Language; Arms Crossed (13117467)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ "It probably wouldn't matter who it was, he would have accepted anyway." Oh, she's definitely bonded with Rean, then. He almost calls her out on that but-- doesn't. If she hasn't said the name yet, if she hasn't brought it up... Well. She has her reasons and he'll respect that. ]

Well of course he was willing to. Anyone would be lucky to Bond with you.

[ It somehow manages to be sincere despite the dismissive tone he uses. Like, clearly this is obvious? ]
overworker: ToCSIII screenshot (pic#13376462)

[personal profile] overworker 2019-10-08 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
Well... for a while I honestly didn’t think he would— not after the way things went the first time.

[It was a mostly pointless fear, considering he wouldn’t have ever let her accept her portion of the blame for the broken Bond.]

But... I’m glad. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s just a means of protecting me from exploding or whatever— it’s really special to me.

[A-ahem.]

It won’t be easy, knowing you— but I hope you get to experience that feeling too.
bad_crowmance: TOCS 1/2; Manga; Smile; Fond; Dere (13226744)

[personal profile] bad_crowmance 2019-10-08 07:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ Exploding.... Crow makes a mental note to find out how long it takes to get to that point and make arrangements to be out of town. ]

I'm sure it's special to him too-- even with Bonds meaning different things for different people.

[ It's still a pretty big commitment, after all.

He's aware he's not being subtle in ignoring that last part, but he does it anyway.
]