eswareinmal | Action: Come one, come all!

Entry tags:

Action: Come one, come all!

Characters: ALL THE PEOPLE
Open? Yes.
Where: The Palace
When: The night of the 3RD
What: A masquerade ball and a very deep sleep.
Warnings: Part of a comm-wide plot!

The Prince Sif has felled an unknown beast, and presented its stuffed head to the King. This would be reason enough for a ball, but there are victories to celebrate. More heroes arrive every day. The kingdom was aptly defended when the forest wall fell. No one has tried to assassinate the king in several days.

All told, a good night for a party. The theme of the ball is a masquerade, and shops in town have been surprisingly (almost suspiciously) able to provide gowns and masks in ready supply.

The palace has been opened to heroes and townspeople alike, provided they can present themselves appropriately. The heroes have been strongly encouraged to attend, and those who do not come voluntarily may well be greeted with royal retainers at their doorstep, outfit and dance card in hand. Expect a very full dance card, heroes.

The banquet table is stacked full of food – roasts and cheeses, summer fruits and vegetables, rivers of wine and more ornate desserts than should be permitted in a time or war. This evening is about success – best to enjoy it.

In the center of the ball sits the beast’s head. A scaly, purple thing. Its eyes have been taken out and replaced with rubies, its mouth twisted in the same sort of anguished look on its face as when Sif killed it. There has never been a beast like this in Schwanheim before – if you like, come closer and take a look. The king is very generous with his gifts.

[ooc: The party is a LIE. Well. No, it isn’t! Enjoy the party. Your characters will be expected to wear full masquerade gear, or they will be shunted aside and dressed properly.

After the attendees go home, they will be plagued with dreams more tangible than they have ever felt. More information here]

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And here will be Helios moseying along throughout the ball checking up on people and looking at things with a intrigued eye. He's obviously going to be stopping by the food to taste all those culinary delights that are out. He's also going to stay as far away from dancing as possible. Helios and physical contact, while he has gotten better, is just not something that goes well together. Helios will also be sporting a rather symbolic sun mask because apparently people here actually know what his name means.

Still you can probably bump into him if you want to. He looks slightly out of place since he's totally not used to masquerade parties at all. But nevertheless he'll cordially talk to whoever approaches.

If there's one thing Ginia will admit to, it's the food is delicious. While she started out the night eying the table of food with suspicion because she knows there are many dangers of unknown food. She's read fairy tales, knows the danger of feasting on food. The monsterous beast head displayed in the center of the room doesn't allay her fears either. But as the night goes on, and no one seems to be displaying any being poisoned, whisked away by unknown forces, or any other ill-side effects, and her own stomach begins to growl, Ginia decides to follow the adage of nothing ventured, nothing gained. Maybe this really was a friendly, festive party with no side-effects.

There are no protests from Odin as Ginia heads toward the table, the dog padding a bit ahead of her. He's too well-trained to leap up and grab food for himself, but he sits himself down right in front of a large roast ham. Ginia chuffs lightly as she picks off a piece and drops it down to him, then begins filling her own plate. A bit of salad, some roast bird, and some fresh fruit for now. The desserts she'll have to tackle later. As she works her way down the table of food, Odin sniffs at the air, then trots off ahead. He stops in front of a man wearing a sun mask, sniffs curiously at him, then sits down. Tail wagging, Odin gives a single happy bark, then raises his paw for a handshake.

The masks in general put Helios on edge. He's completely and utterly on edge because what masks caused back in luceti. Unneeded, unwarranted pain. But as the night progressed there were no changes in anyone's behavior so that was something promising. He still didn't want to get too close to anyone, hence the lingering around the food and away from the more festive activities of the night.

The man in the sun mask will jump at the sound of that bark not really intending to hear a dog at such a gathering. His eyes widen though when he looks down and sees none other than Odin. "O-Odin?! H-How in the world did you..."

His heart beats just a little faster then. Could this possibly mean that...? He bends down and gives the dog an affectionate hug and pets as his smile widens. "It's very nice to see you again too."

Odin's tail wags harder and he gives Helios' face a lick, not at all minding the cold. It's true, where there's Odin, Ginia is around. She quickly set her plate down when Odin took off, quite ready to apologize for her dog's behavior, but the mask? The voice? The familiarity between dog and man? She steps forward to join them, almost afraid to believe what she sees and hears because it's so hard to believe. This isn't Luceti, why is Helios here? She can't complain because it's good seeing one of her dearest friends, but it's so hard to believe too.

Especially since she knew she left Luceti. She left them all behind to go back to her world, something she never wanted to do. She had her year in her world, and then she'd left to find herself. Funny how in the process of traveling, she found herself in yet another unintended and unknown destination.

She moves to stand in front of Helios, offering a careful smile, not quite ready to believe everything she knows.

/Helios? Is that you?/ she signs carefully, watching and studying him.

Helios lets out a small 'ah!' of surprise when Odin does that almost falling backwards at that. And then when he looks up from beneath his mask Helios is honestly rendered speechless for a few moments.

"Ginia...?" He sounds honestly confused and slightly skeptical. The masks and beasts head could be making him see things but, no, this felt more than any illusion he's ever encountered before. This was no illusion. Ginia was really here standing before him. He gives Odin one more pat before standing up and sliding his mask up just a little to get a clearer view. His smile only widens more. "Y-Yes it's me." He looks around them then and then back at her.

"It's really you." He mutters and then realizes.

"Oh! Y-Your necklace..." he frowns. They probably didn't allow her to keep it or something like that.

Ginia can't blame him for his skepticism since she's holding onto her share. When he slides his mask aside, she gives a small smile and returns the favor, moving her own aside. She is who she is, though she's more than a few months older than he may remember. Nothing significant, just a bit of weathering and a few light lines forming from a year back in her own world. On the other hand, Helios hasn't changed at all. It's a small relief to her, even though she knows she's left Luceti, left him. Does he know? She hates the idea of putting him through any grief.

Her hand goes up to her neck and she huffs lightly, smiling sadly. How useful the necklace would have been while everyone was fussing over her in the town, Burr she lived her whole life mute and could continue to do so.

/It's really me. At least, I hope it is,/ Ginia replies lightly, trying to make a joke out of the moment. She stops, looks at him, then moves in to hug him. It's not a long and tight hug, just something quick and fast, her way of showing her relief in seeing a familiar face, a silent apology for leaving him behind, and confirming it's really him through his cold skin. Giles told her Helios was here, but she needed that extra bit of confirmation.

Edited 2012-05-23 14:45 (UTC)

It really is her and Helios smiles just a little bit more. It's nice being reunited with the two of them again. Giles and Ginia back in this world together with him, despite only Giles being the one who left back in Luceti. He wonders how many people they've upset with their leaving. No. He can't think about that right now. A sad smile as he watches her movements.

"I-I can make you another one s-sometime soon." He would too. He doesn't like knowing that he has the means to helping her and not doing so. The sigil is firmly written into his spell compendium too. Helios' breath and reply catches in his throat as Ginia hugs him. Warmth against cold, always a shocking feeling, but he's not sure why she would do so. He tilts his head a little looking at her with some mild concern when she pulls away.

"Is. Is everything alright Ginia?"

/Yes. Everything is perfectly fine. I'm happy to see you, that's all./ Ginia signs, partially lying. Happy to see him? Yes, always, very much so. It would all feel so unfair to be here with Giles when Helios wasn't. She knew their friend would be happy the Ginia and Giles were once more united, but Ginia also knew how much Helios missed Giles. Besides, this place certainly seemed like the kind of place that suited Helios, certainly much more than herself.

Perfectly fine? Still up for debate. She smiles and gives a light gesture around the room.

/I've already talked to Giles. I'm truly glad we're all together. And don't fuss over the necklace, I don't want to put you through any trouble./

Helios returns the smile just as bright as it would ever be. "I'm h-happy to see you too. I-I'm sorry. About, about leaving you...after everything that happened. For leaving like that s-so abruptly." After everything he's learned and been through with her. Helios' eyes widen a little when she signs that.

"You have?" His smile gets wider and then he stalls, pausing a little. He doesn't know what to say to her to ease the pain she must be feeling. "I'm...sorry. About, about everything that this place m-makes harder for you." Giles for the most part and just the atmosphere in general.

"I-I'll try to help him. Have been trying to h-help him I mean. And I'll...try to help you too."

It takes a moment for Ginia to realize why Helios is apologizing, and when it clicks, she pales because she knows he has no reason to apologize. If anything, she owes him one for being the one to leave, unless they left around the same time. She holds her hands together for a moment, trying to figure out how to respond.

/You don't need to apologize, Helios. I know from Giles you two have been here for a few days, but I remember talking to you in Luceti prior./ Or at least as last as she can remember. Having gone home for over a year, it's hard pinpointing their last conversation.

/He's here, we're all together. It's difficult not being able to hold him, but I'm happy to be able to talk to him. And I don't doubt you've been trying to help him. Well, I guess now that I'm here, I can help too./ And now that she's here, someone else can keep an eye on Helios too.

"I-I see. It's possible we left at the same time then." Though he can't be too certain. "You remember Luminair don't you?" The baby dragon is nowhere to be found unfortunately. He hopes that maybe Adele or Draco or someone will take good care of him though.

"It's...different. Hard. I-I can't imagine how hard it must be for you." But he can relate in a way. There are moments where you just want to hold the person closest to you. Hug them and give them all the affection that threatens to overcome you. Helios can't imagine what he would do if Elise showed up in such a state but he knows it would hurt beyond all reason.

"We'll do everything we can for him then. At least t-together we can help him now." And that's something too.

/How could I forget him? He's an adorable thing. Is he here?/ Somehow Ginia has a feeling he isn't, if only because he'd be clinging to Helios' shoulder otherwise. If he's back in Luceti, he's likely in good hands, but it's saddening to think dragon and magician were separated.

She sighs at his words because he has a point. It is difficult and she wants nothing more than to hold him and kiss him and do all sorts of physical acts that shouldn't be mentioned in polite company. But at least he's here and they can still talk and be around each other, and maybe they can find a way to give him a body or something else. Ultimately any decisions about being corporeal would fall to Giles', but it's one idea to keep in mind.

/You two will have to help me catch up on everything. It's been a sort of blur today, mostly involving fabric and feathers as the townspeople pulled me off to dress me for this party./

"He isn't." Said in a bit of a sadder tone than he would have liked. But he does miss the little dragon more so than he'll ever let on.

Helios will cast a glance at the other company around them. There was always possession when it came to Giles and Ginia. But even that thought makes Helios look away and shake his head. Such a silly and stupid thought. No. No. Ultimately it is up to Giles.

"Oh that's no trouble at all. I-I'll try my best to help you as much as possible." Well with whatever Giles hasn't informed her on yet. "I-I'm sure Giles informed you on most things though, hm?"

He might not let it on, but Ginia knows. She was there when she gave him the dragon egg, saw how happy it'd made him. While she'd missed his actual hatching, he was quite the proud surrogate papa in the following days. The two were inseparable and to have them separated now was sad. Ginia gives his shoulder a gentle pat of reassurance.

She watches him as he shakes his head and look away, wondering what's on his mind.

/The basics really. The old man filled me in on the details. Champion brought here to save the world, all that. Let's talk more over food. Everything looks so delicious./

Helios almost flinches at the pat but he manages to curb the otherwise built in response. He does give a shaky smile though letting Ginia know that he does appreciate her efforts and sympatheies. Luminair will be missed and while it's been a good few days without the tiny dragon Helios still misses him quite dearly.

"You're also given a r-roll to play in all this. Typical fairytale rolls I believe. Mages, Wizards, Knights. Those sorts of things." And here he'll be stopping now in front of the buffet table having been talking as they walk.

"Everything is usually free for us. But, ah, s-somethings aren't. I've been staying at the Drunk Duck Inn with G-Giles."

Ginia picks up a new plate for herself, someone having already head off with her old plate - a pity, there were some delicious looking ribs on that plate. She cuts off a large turkey leg and hands it down to Odin, who quickly seizes it and trots off to enjoy it in peace.

/Giles suggested I be your personal assistant if I was in need of any work. It's not a bad idea, and I suppose I'll be needing to earn my keep one way or another./ She knows Helios knows she has a wide set of skills on her belt, some of them with very specific purposes. Ginia hopes she doesn't have to tap into some of those, but she also knows how her luck has been for most of her life. She begins loading her plate with food, deciding to take advantage of the free meal. Maybe she can sneak out some cookies at the end of the party.

Helios will watch Odin with an amused expression on his face. He'll also take some more delicious food if only to be polite. He's practically full as is though.

"P-Personal assistant?" Helios laughs at that. Oh dear it's not a bad idea, no, but it's certainly out there even for Giles to suggest. He can't help but smirk a little, "I suppose if you'd like to be. I-I promise not to, um, cut you in half or anything like that."

He runs a hand through his hair as he looks around the room again. He knows Ginia's skill set and he knows what she can do, he wonders exactly what this place has given her in terms of such powers.

Ginia helps herself to a few slices of ham, salad, and a good helping of assorted desserts. Might as well enjoy the food while it's free and freely offered. She keeps the plate on the table to keep her hands free for signing, giving a quick scan of the room to see where Odin is.

/You know I like to stay busy, and maybe it'll be safer for the three of us to stay together. From what Giles has told me, the last few days have been quite exciting. Luceti on fast forward?/

She waves her hand over at the free tables, Odin sitting under one of them, his tail sticking out and wagging back and forth as he enjoys his meal.

/Shall we join my dog?/

Edited 2012-05-29 19:21 (UTC)

Helios chuckles as he fills his plate back up as well. Some chicken breast, salad, and desserts too. Mostly its desserts but shh he eats healthy okay?

"Yes they, um, h-have been a bit...exciting." Not sure whether this is good thing or not right now. As far as Helios is concerned? The Two-faced forest is a dangerous place and definitely not one that should be traversed alone. "Staying together might be for the best." A nod as he follows her over to one of the free tables. Helios can't help but smile at Odin as he enjoys that chicken leg.

"We have a room...at the Drunk Duck Inn. It's, it's not anything too fancy b-but it's been a good place to us. Th-the people are at least accommodating towards us." He shrugs. He's not really picky about where he stays, not after Luceti at least. This was a new experience and Helios was all for them.

The Drunk Duck Inn. It's an entirely fairy tale sort of name for an inn. The name screams homely rooms at a good price, all sorts of interesting people gathered at the bar (because there is always a bar at the inn), and lots of gossip and information. It's the potential gossip and information that appeals to Ginia the most, though the promise of a bed sounds nice too.

/I noticed. The tailors were quite friendly when they discovered they would be dressing a champion for the ball./ Ginia stops to munch a bit at her food, stabbing a bit at her salad with her fork. /What do you think about it? The whole being brought here as a champion part./

Lots of interesting people indeed. Some of them first time customers, others constant ones. Helios hasn't made a name for himself in there though because he's not really one to frequent bars all too often. The potential gossip and information however has proven him to try his hand in sitting around and talking to the locals. Helios picks at his food as he thinks on the signed question. On one hand it sounds eerily familiar. Like Luceti only friendlier in some ways. Champions who are protecting the people. It seems like a good enough cause and instead of it being the third party it's thorns they're now fighting. A lets out a short sigh as he sits back in his seat.

"I don't know, really. It's...it's all rather strange. I-I never considered myself a champion of any sort. But helping these people might be the only chance they have and, and I don't like to think of what would happen if we don't help them."

/I don't consider myself a champion of any sort, but I'll do my best to help out. I was thinking I might check the thorns out myself after I've had time to settle in and gear up. Want to come along?/ A few hours in and already making plans to do some exploring. On the plus side of things, at least she was giving herself time to prepare before heading out.

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Action: Come one, come all!

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