get ready everybody 'cause here we go

[dashing]

WHO: Saoirse, Herian & open.
WHAT: a combined birthday hangout.
WHEN: 30th Haring.
WHERE: The Hanged Man.
NOTES: Drink up now and turn up hungover to the Firstday feast. Open invitation over here, no need to reply to the network post or even have prior cr in order to attend. Please add any warnings to subject lines if they come up.

"Party" would be an extreme word for it; the more accurate word would be "casual gathering of people with liquor readily available." It is The Hanged Man, though, so who knows what shenanigans could unfold.

They've taken over a corner of the inn, and though there isn't much in the way of decorations - making sure the place could be easily accessed after all that snow was work enough - there are a couple of strings of bunting.

Don't get too wild; it'd be unfortunate if Herian had to interrupt her own (shared) birthday celebration in the sake of preserving the Inquisition's reputation. (Or do get wild, and simply shrug it off as The Hanged Man's influence. Whatever.)

Be sure of one thing, though - at least one round is one Herian. Maybe. If you're a close friend, or look particularly glum.

Comments

late enough in the evening that people are there, early enough that nobody's piss-wasted yet

[onlyhymns]

Part of Cade's effort to be more of an actual person is to occasionally leave his comfort zone, and, Maker forbid, sometimes even go out of his way to interact with someone, so he takes the opportunity to give himself a panic attack in order to simultaneously assuage some guilt about The Past. There's a lot going on.
Trying to avoid Herian entirely on account of her being Extremely Frightening, Cade hopes to find Saoirse in a state of approachability, at which point he thrusts a book (neatly tied around the covers with a ribbon) toward her and mumbles something that would sound like 'happy birthday' if he were at all audible in the sea of voices. He says it to the floor. But he's trying. Hey remember how I oversaw your Harrowing, congrats on still being alive years after?

[sulena]

Yes, of course, remember that time when she could have been stabbed or her head cut off or whatever was in fashion that year. It is hard to forget but if there is something that Saoirse excels in then it is both kindness and learning from her past, even the awful terrible things that became her life when she came to Kirkwall.

It is admittedly a surprise to see Cade and it probably shows but his gift is quickly received with a smile. In fact, her smiles only looks once she looks back up to him.

"Thank you, Cade. You are too kind." She says, placing her fingers atop the cover with a delicate touch. "I'm glad you decided to come. It is good to see you."

[onlyhymns]

The book contains illustrated songs native to Starkhaven, with rudimentary musical notation accompanying the lyrics. It's likely for children, but that doesn't mean adults can't appreciate it.
"It's fine," Cade says, hunching his shoulders and watching it in Saoirse's hands as though afraid it'll bite her, "it's... I'm... thank you." Sentences are hard.

[elegiaque]

Presumably, no one needs an explanation for why Gwenaëlle is not attending this get-together - but a pair of Vauquelin-liveried elven servants do arrive with a large gift box, setting them down at the birthday girls' table without much fanfare and excusing themselves swiftly. A note is attached:

You should have at least one drink that isn't swill. Open it when the bartender isn't looking.
GV.

[dashing]

It isn't the same night, because whatever hour she would be ready to depart the party would surely be an inappropriate hour to call upon any resident of Hightown, and because if by some bizarre odds she isn't hanging out with Cosima afterwards, she's probably going to be hauling at least one person who has imbibed too much liquor back to the Gallows.

So, instead it is a very respectable hour of the afternoon a couple of days later when she calls upon the Vauquelin Estate, waiting to see if the lady of the house is available. Being greeted by servants is always a strange experience for her, but such is life, it seems. It would have been so easy for her to be one of them, instead of standing with the title Knight Enchanter and visiting on nobles.

"Lady Vauquelin," she starts, when eventually they find themselves in the same area. "I hope the new year is treating you well."

May they both resist any mental breakdowns in this year.

[elegiaque]

“Tolerable,” she says, droll. “You've caught us in motion-” with a gesture to the house at large, which seems a-bustle with activity for also being fucking cold. In the private sitting room on the top floor that Herian has been shown up to, there's a roaring fire (Hardie, her hound, has taken up residence in front of it and will not be moved), and Gwenaëlle has arranged blankets and bearskins appropriately - but much of the rest of the house is chilled and cold, and in the process of being shut up.

“It wasn't built for this winter,” a bit more critically, regarding the home she's become grudgingly sort of fond of, “and I'm a bit concerned my birds are going to die in the night, so we'll be decamping to the Gallows by the end of the week. How did the Hanged Man treat you?”

herian; a dramatic birthday girl

[dashing]

(if you want a custom one let me know, but otherwise wildcards are welcome)


early;
Guess who has two thumbs, is reaching their twenty-ninth year, and looks kind of unexcited about it?

It's not that she looks glum so much as she looks very serious and preoccupied; it could be before other guests have arrived, she did get there early to make sure everything was in order, or maybe others are there and she's just gone off into her own world. In either case, it might take something to get her attention.


later in the night;
Herian does not get drunk. She drinks very sparingly, in fact, as a general rule. Temperance, control, focus, all those good things. A knight should not act in excess, and they should not act in any way that compromises their honour. The problem is that refusing drinks could also be rude, and causing needless offence is also something she does not care for.

The end result is that she has had a little more to drink than she normally might, and is a little more relaxed. While she's not in an excellent mood generally, these past weeks, at least her manner has eased a little, for now.

Later

[circleprodigy]

And one more non-refusable drink is coming her way. Inessa, with a bottle of spiced wine and a couple of glasses in her free hand, heads over while Garahel is busy getting belly rubs from happy drunks. A smile curves her lips as her eyes meet Herian's, and she sits down, pouring some for them both.

"I hear we have a birthday in common, Knight-Enchanter. That's reason enough to share this with you; I might have forgotten my own, otherwise." The first glass poured is offered to Herian.

[dashing]

"For true? Many happy returns, Warden, early as they may be."

She accepts the glass, and holds it up very slightly in accompaniment to her words, before taking a sip.

"Thank you. Will you be doing anything in particular to celebrate the day, now you have been reminded? I most like would not, had Enchanter Ceallach not been so insistent."

later

[crowncitizen]

"Having fun?" Prompto asks as he slides into a seat next to her. He's been an extroverted social butterfly, talking up a lot of people, but especially the (slightly older) birthday girl. But he hasn't gotten to talk to Herian quite as much tonight, and now he's here to remedy that.

[dashing]

She takes a moment to consider, though it is not really necessary, more a matter of habit and carefulness. “I am.” There is a moment where she lets the silence hang in the air before elaborating, “I am not generally much for such social affairs. Saoirse is, I fear, far better qualified in this realm than I - and you as well, I think.”

Social butterflies, man.

early, because he wants to gift her in private

[tar_minyatur]

"Milady Herian?"

Elros sticks his head in the room to look around for her. He has a small parcel in one hand - no fancy paper, but neatly wrapped. He even managed to locate a ribbon. From. Somewhere.

[dashing]

“Good evening.” It is always something of a surprise when people seek her out. She has just finished putting up a string of bunting, and takes a step down from the chair she’s standing on to consider it. It is lopsided? She eyes it critically. Decorations are not her area of expertise. Most things, truthfully, are not; she is a creature of specific talents.

“It is very kind of you to attend. Can I offer you a drink?” She spies the gift - it’s not like he’s hiding it - and isn’t sure what to do about it. How do friendship, how to things.

early;

[foxsays]

Something of a stranger to the Hanged Man, it not being the sort of tavern Araceli prefers where it's a little too well-known, and with a curfew, Araceli still slips in with two gifts since she's not going to show up with something just for one person when it's a joint party. It'd be rude after all. Two years in Thedas, the start of what could very well be her third? This is an easier tradition to let go.

"Señora Amsel! Something for you and Enchanter Ceallach both," she greets with a smile when she arrives with a nudge that's this side of being overly friendly. "Just a little thing."

Pretty haircombs, some pins, a little fancy oil - Knight Enchanters and Enchanters both are deserving of some pampering no? (And yes, tiny tiny bottles of rum. Look it's the water of life for her, Starkhaveners should get that.)

[dashing]

Herian remains Herian, and bows politely when Araceli arrives, regardless of nudges. "You are very kind, thank you. I will make sure the Enchanter receives these."

Gifts, Herian isn't.. she wasn't expecting gifts. Gifts from several unanticipated gifters has left her a little taken aback, but in a largely positive way. There's a slight smile, surprised though it is.

And, actually— "Have you been introduced? I would be glad to do so, if you are not yet acquainted?"

saoirse; a less dramatic birthday girl

[sulena]

( shoot me a pm or hit me up on plurk if you'd like something custom. otherwise, wildcards are totes welcome. )

— early.

Unlike a certain someone Saoirse is just a little more excited for her most recent birthday and the current party taking place today.

Perhaps it's because it has been so very long since she had actually celebrated it. Time in the Circles, especially when she lived in the Gallows, left little time for celebration or any sort of enjoyment in those later years especially. It is why she arrives early in the day with Herian to make sure everything is in place and there are no complications to be found with their location. It's nothing grand, sure but Saoirse is enjoying the work and can constantly be found throughout the day with a bright smile on her face.

— later.

But on the other hand, much like her birthday friend, Saoirse is not the sort to get drunk although she does enjoy the sweeter drinks offered by the tavern keep. Perhaps it helps that she keeps passing him food and what else, or perhaps because he thinks she cannot handle much more than the sweet wines and mead. Though there is probably some truth to the thought especially as the night wears on and she drinks a bit more than she might usually.

She tries to greet everyone that arrives, especially the unfamiliar friends of Herian and might take someone by the hand at one point to dance. She sings too, songs from Starkhaven for her and Herian but leaves it to the tavern bard tonight for the most part.

later

[crowncitizen]

Prompto wouldn't have missed this for the world. Of course he'd greeted both birthday girls when he came in, but he hadn't wanted to monopolize their time from the get go. Which is why he's waited until now to hand out gifts.

Saoirse's were small enough that he was able to smuggle them in unseen, hidden under the layers he'd worn to get here. With a grin, he walks up to Saoirse when she's in between talking to people and hands the two small gifts to her. "So... I might have gotten a little heads up a few days ago that your birthday was today."

Yep, Herian blabbed, thus Prompto had a bit of time to gift hunt.

[sulena]

It has been a busy night and Saoirse has (much to own displeasure) not been able to spend as much time with Prompto. Especially when she was busy introducing herself to Herian's friends, being overwhelmed by gifts and torment her best friend. That is why when he appears, as she waves goodbye to another friend, her face lights up.

She stops short of hugging him as the gifts are handed to her and looks at them, eyes wide. Saoirse cannot even being to think on the fact that Herian went and told because she is just so... surprised in the moment that he would actually get her a gift. Then again that has been the theme for the night when she has truly gone so long without this sort of occasion.

"They're really for me?" She sounds just floored and hasn't even opened the bloody things yet.

Early

[dashing]

The set up, such as it was, is done— but a final touch is required. Herian walks up behind Saoirse, and gently touched her shoulder.

“Sinn-seanmhair,” yes, she just called her great grandmother, what of it? “Have you a moment to spare?”

In the none-shoulder dwelling hand there is a parcel, only loosely wrapped in simple, coarse paper. Nothing fine, unfortunately.

early

[circleprodigy]

Inessa glances around, looking and feeling somewhat out of place in the Hanged Man, but her hesitation is put aside when spotting Saoirse up ahead. Of course, Garahel has to get there first, all tail-wagging and licking and happy nuzzling. Following him, she holds out a bag when Garahel's done demanding affection, its contents probably made obvious by the sweet scent of the bon bons within.

"Happy birthday, Saoirse."

later

[foundmyselfagain]

Gareth is happy to arrive and relieve them of food, though he doesn’t touch any alcohol. He’s got reasons enough for avoiding the stuff, and he figures Saoirse won’t hold it against him. She might, however, hold not so much as greeting her against him, so he sweeps on over, all grins, a wrapped box in his hand. This is presented to her with a great flourish.

“My dear, you look radiant. They’d better keep all the white wine away from you, or it’ll turn red with envy, seeing how well you age.” That barely makes sense, but he’s looking rather pleased with it all the same. And bouncing on his heels slightly as he watches her with the gift. It’s been a while since he’s gotten to celebrate someone else’s birthday, too.

And the present, when opened, will turn out to be one of the study of magic books he’d gotten from Nevarra. Which is probably one of the nicest things he could get a hold of.

[youwonscience]

[Earlier/Herian]

Cosima is late. That's partly because she just is, but largely because she has spent the time between the network announcement and now scrambling to find a gift that is not so much it would embarrass Herian, yet definitely enough to show she cares, but then again something Cosima can actually afford after blowing a lot of her cash on that microscope.

So when she arrives, she's a bit flushed, but triumphant, and works her way over to the birthday girl. (Or girls, possibly.) "Sorry! Sorry I'm late."

[Later/Open]

Cosima cannot monopolize Herian's attention all night, nor does she intend to try. But she does feel the need to stay for moral support, if nothing else. Just in case Herian needs her.

In the meantime, she's several glasses of wine in, and she's decided dancing is in order, because one of the advantages of being a rifter is that everyone assumes you're bizarre anyway so why not take advantage?

[dashing]

Herian is... being Herian. Which is to say she's standing off to the side, as much as she can, watching over things that are going on. She's not uncomfortable in social situations, and it's not that's she's bad at them, she's just stiff; back straight, shoulders back, looking more like a knight on duty than a woman at her birthday party.

With that said, her shoulders ease a little at the sound of Cosima's voice, and her mouth brightens with a smile. "It is no trouble, bláithín." Catching Cosima's elbow, she gently eases her closer. "I'm glad you're here."

Look, she's smiling. Look how 100% totally okay she is.

cosima & saoirse.

[dashing]

At some point a little later in the evening, when Herian has had not enough wine to be drunk (because she doesn't have that much wine ever, probably) but enough to make the prospect of this a little less daunting, she decides she really should introduce Cosima and Saoirse to one another. The woman can better cope with the prospect of fighting two dragons at once than introducing her two favourite people, it seems.

When she notices Saoirse is free for a moment, and that Cosima isn't currently dancing, she gently catches Saoirse's arm. "Can I introduce you to someone?"

And once she has a response, she is (also gently) steering Saoirse the short distance towards Cosima. Hi, favourite people, Herian suddenly seems as tense and formal as ever she does. Nervousness is not an acceptable emotion, so let's just repress the hell out of it.

"Cosima," she starts, and then realises that perhaps she should have been more formal, "please allow me to present Enchanter Ceallach, we grew up in Starkhaven and then were in the Circle together, for some years."

[youwonscience]

Cosima ... was not entirely sure what to make of Herian's approach, under the circumstances, but beams at the actual introduction.

"Hi! I'm Cosima Niehaus. I'd say I've heard a lot about you, but..." She gives Herian an arch look (somewhat undermined by a lingering smile). "It's still great to meet you. And thanks for organizing all this." Since it is crystal clear that Herian would not have even mentioned her birthday if left entirely to her own devices.