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

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.

[crowncitizen]

Her shock's kind of surprising. Is she not used to it? Was it not allowed in the Circles? Maybe it's just... not a thing done much in Thedas? Honestly, he's not sure what to make of it.

"Well, yeah," he says with a little laugh. "Of course. It's your birthday, right?" He just feels bad he wasn't able to get her more, or have more time to pick out stuff. Not that he isn't grateful to Herian for the heads up, but Prompto's never been quick on gift ideas. "Sorry it's not much, but I hope you like them."

If Saoirse does finally open them, she'll find a locket in one package and a hair comb in another. Herian did say pretty things would be good, given how little of them they were allowed to have in the Circle.

[sulena]

"I'm sorry, I must seem ungrateful." She says hastily, looking back up to him and sighing. "It's just been such a long time when I was able to celebrate the day I was born. It's almost overwhelming but... but I know I'll love them because it's from you."

Carefully Saoirse removes the packaging until she's holding both gifts in each hand, looking between them and absolutely beaming. "Prompto, they're beautiful. Thank you."

[crowncitizen]

"I was just surprised at how, well, surprised you were." He can't imagine not celebrating a birthday for so long, even in some way. It breaks his heart to hear that she hasn't. But that just means they need to make this celebration all the more special. "But if it's been that long, then I get it."

His ears turn a tad pink, but he manages to keep his composure, even with her compliment, as much as it wants to make him melt. "I'm glad you like them. The necklace is a locket. People put, uh... miniatures? Is that what they're called? The iiiiiiitty bitty paintings? Right?"

[sulena]

Carefully she opens the locket and looks to the empty space with a smile. Even in the alienage, celebrations had been more muted affairs and giving what little they could. She always loved them, of course and the Circles were not so much different given how hard it was to get things from outside their walls.

It makes this entire experience all the most overwhelming but heartfelt at the same time. "Mm. That's right," she says with another smile. "My father has a miniature of mother though it isn't in a locket like this."

Hmm. She'll have to think on what to put in here but for the moment, she decides that thanking him with words is certainly not enough and lifts up onto her toes press a quick affectionate kiss to the corner of his mouth. More subdued than she might like but best for company especially when everything is still new in an relationship.

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.

i cannot tell you how many times i accidentally wrote punch instead of pinch

[sulena]

Saoirse almost laughs— okay, she does laugh.

"Of course, a bhobain." She says with all the urge to pinch Herian's cheek again, especially with such a ridiculous term of endearment. "I always have time for you."

The parcel does not go unnoticed but she will not make assumptions just yet. Even though she is admittedly excited but that perhaps could be said about this day in whole.

She’d deserve it

[dashing]

Gently, Herian steers Saoirse to a slightly more secluded spot, taking her elbow - it’s not entirely different from how one might guide an elderly person who is less than steady on their feet, more done for effect than necessity, if this is the game they are playing. “Watch your step,” she advises, helpfully, before stopping.

“This is for you,” she starts, trying to map out her words as she speaks, and coming to a slightly uncomfortable pause. “I-- I have many regrets that we were apart for so long, after Starkhaven, and I know that I have been more withdrawn than I was before.” Words are so difficult, and she has to pause awkwardly to try and navigate where next to go. “You are my oldest friend, though, and I value your kinship more than I can properly say.”

So, here we are, parcel held out, with the Cloak of Visibility within. The cloak is light, the see-through material seeming to shimmer a little.

just imagining saoirse punching everything now

[sulena]

And much like the grandmother, she gently pats her dear rascal's hand as she is steered along by the elbow once more holding in the urge to laugh and somehow actually managing it despite how hilarious everything is.

Quietly, she listens as Herian speaks and remains so as the woman navigates through her words. Saoirse, to the surprise of no one, smiles but it is with much more warmth than she usually shows and with an undeniable fondness. "We're here together now," she says finally. "It is my only wish that you know how dearly you mean to me in this harsh world we live in. We have time now to make up for the time we lost before."

Carefully, she opens the parcel as it is passed over to her. Once she spots the cloak, she is speechless and stares upward at her friend with wide eyes. "Herian... it's beautiful."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAYL5H46QnQ& her new theme song

[dashing]

"I'm glad." She relaxes a little, shoulders less impossibly stiff, and and exhales a little bit. She wasn't holding her breath, not really, but she was feeling a little beyond her depth. With such emotional control as she has developed since the Spire fell comes a great cost to emotional expression. She knows she is not the same as she was when they were in the alienage, and in the Circle - but as Saoirse says, they have now. Much like for Cosima, for Saoirse Herian resolves herself to do better.

"When I was on a mission for the Inquisition, I aided a trader who was beset by bandits. He gave me this as thanks." A pause, and— "You should wear it when next we play hide and seek. To give me a fighting chance." The last she adds conspiratorially, as this may be the only time she ever admits just how bad she is at hiding.

beautiful

[sulena]

With a flick of her wrist, she pulls the cloak over her shoulder and clasps it in place. Saoirse laughs, spinning in place before reaching out to pull Herian into a hug. For a moment, she just holds the other woman in a tight embrace before releasing her with a tired laugh. No, she isn't crying... not yet.

"Sounds like a wonderful idea," she says laughing. "The next time I perform, I'll wear it too. I imagine the children in the alienage will love it too."

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."

[sulena]

And immediately Saoirse drops to her knees when she spies Garahel approaching, showering him in affection and pats like he so rightly deserves! Once Inessa appears though, she lifts herself back up onto her feet with a laugh but cuts short when the Warden passes over the gift.

"Thank you kindly, Warden. I am very glad you were able to come."

[circleprodigy]

Yay, pettings! Garahel happily nuzzles her in response, still lingering close in hopes of more. Inessa will distract him with treats if he becomes a pest, but for now focuses on the guest of honor.

"You're quite welcome, and we would not have missed it for either of you. You both deserve some recognition and relaxing evening...well, as relaxing as it ever is, around here."

[sulena]

"It is certainly more relaxing than some of our past birthdays," she chuckles. "The ones in the old Circle of Starkhaven were perhaps the worst time of year for our fellows and teachers."

Because they were pranksters of the worse degree. "It is a nice change of pace though. In truth, I believe this year has one of the best in most recent times for me."

[circleprodigy]

"Truly? I'm happy for you then, Saoirse." Her smile is warm as Garahel comes back to her side after a moment longer, scratching behind his ears. "Now that I think about it, I have to say the same. Between the friends made and the common cause we share, there is a sense of community that I have missed for some time."

Certainly the Grey Wardens at large don't count, not with their divisions and the civil war brewing. But as angry as that makes her, at least she can count on those present in Kirkwall.

"Do you have any specific birthday plans, beyond this?"

[sulena]

"Thank you kindly, Inessa." She says, her own smile wide and warm. "And this is true. It is nice to find a community full of people with a wide range of feelings and opinions but all working toward a common cause of helping our world."

At the question, she might glance toward a certain blond having fun and joking around with others around the tavern.

"Some relaxation and quiet time, perhaps. There's a lot to consider going into the new year."

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.

[sulena]

And his flourish is met with surprise followed up by uncontrolled chuckles. Saoirse is glad to see him, happily accepting the gift but finding some difficultly in not continuing to laugh at his... well, whatever he was saying.

Carefully, she opens the presented gift before breaking out into a grin as she turns it over in her hands. "Thank you, Gareth." Saoirse says, happily pulling him into a hug.

She steps back a moment later before continuing to look it over once. "I'm glad you were able to make it."

[foundmyselfagain]

"Of course I'd make it! I don't remember the last time I went to a birthday party. Even my own." He's not even entirely sure of when his birthday is, nor the last time anyone bothered to celebrate it. "That it's your birthday makes it impossible for me to turn away from."

He grins in return when she seems to be pleased with the gift, returning the hug warmly. This was nice. It was...amazingly normal, something that people who had never worried about Circles got to do. Saoirse deserved that.

"I hope you like the book. It's from Nevarra. They're good at entropy-type magic, which I know you like, so...I was hoping it'd be interesting. A different perspective on something you like." He offers a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's been ages since I've done the present thing, so let me know if I messed it up?"

[sulena]

"Then we'll have to do something for your birthday too." Because now she's decided, and so it must be done. "But I'm really glad you're able to be here and we're able to fun like this."

It's nice to feel the hug returned especially after everything they had been through both before and after the Circles fell. She spent so long thinking that perhaps he had just been another victim of the chaos flooding through Kirkwall at the time, and she imagines he might have thought the same and so to have this now? It's wonderful.

"I love it, Gareth. There's nothing to worry about it all, especially since it might help me further my understanding of my own magic." It's said with a smile as she hugs the book close. "This is just another wonderful addition to what has already become a lovely year."

[foundmyselfagain]

"I'd have to pick a birthday out." He had one, presumably, but the date was vague at best. Had it even been celebrated at home? He could barely remember those days before the Gallows, and at the Gallows, it had mostly gone ignored.

He's relieved when Saoirse assures him that the gift is satisfactory. So he hadn't managed to mess that up, at least. That's good. He'll have to remember that for future birthdays, if he ever went around celebrating any more.

"Did you ever think it'd end up like this? Finally free, celebrating. Getting to dance with cute rifter boys." A cheeky grin is plastered across his face as he wiggles his eyebrows at her.

[sulena]

"Then you best pick one out," she says with a grin. "Else I might decide on simply a random day to shower you with some much needed gifts."

And it will literally be a shower, do not test her.

"Yes, I could have never imagined the world having changed in such ways back when we first met." When they were both shadows of what they were now, hardly living with an ounce of spark let alone life at times. "We still have a lot more to do but things are... well, they are not so bad now."

Excuse the blushful smile to end all smiles as she glances as a certain cute rifter boy because when could she ever hide anything?