[ open: all arise! ]

[vorbratta]

WHO: you. yes, you there. you're invited
WHAT: Sonia is throwing a big party, because everyone needs an excuse to get good and drunk together right now. And dancing. There is always dancing.
WHEN: Justinian, shortly after the return of the jungle crew
WHERE: The suite at the top of the mage tower
NOTES: ♫ have some party jams ♫

The month in the jungle was a long one, made longer by the total lack of any alcohol to mitigate the experience. Utterly unthinkable. Sonia is addressing a public need by throwing a grand party -- a public service, even. Besides, it's what she does. When was the last time she got to plan a party, anyway? Granted, this is not a Denerim soiree for the young nobility, but the venue doesn't matter. Only the people and the drinks, and Sonia is assuredly rich in both. It is also a fantastic excuse not to think about any of the bad things that have happened since she was last in Kirkwall.

The decoration in the residential suite at the top of the mage tower would be best classified as improvisational -- one of those drapes tacked along the wall for ambience may be a bedsheet -- but it's the spirit of the thing that counts. One makes do with what one has. In one corner are a few tables laden with spirits, some provided by Sonia, others by generous partygoers. There are a few Barra vineyard vintages in the mix, highlights of her personal collection, a testament to the celebration she considers tonight to be. There's a small selection of food nearby, mostly for snacking to go with the drinks, though guests are free to bring whatever they like to share.

And there is, of course, music. Someone here has brought a fiddle or a flute or a bunch of pots masquerading as a drum set. Maybe you've brought your very own a capella choir. Whatever the accompaniment, there's something to dance to. Sonia makes sure there is dancing.

Tonight is not for licking wounds or swapping grisly stories of terror and survival. Tonight is for feeling alive, getting properly and delightfully drunk, and having a good god damn time.

Comments

*winky face*

[indissection]

I suppose anything can be improved.

[ That makes her grimace, though, immediately rubbing her cheek - especially to hide the coy little smile that the affection inspired. ]

Now? I don't think I've ever danced to things like this before.

[sulahnan]

'S easy, I'll show ya--

[ She drops her arm from Sidony's shoulders and grabs her hands--taking a moment to hand off the wine glass--then drags her towards the thick of it all. It's jaunty, upbeat, not anything with plotted out steps or rules to follow. ]

Just go with the music!

[ For Athessa, that means hopping around and doing little kicks, side-steps, hip wiggles, you name it. She'll even spin Sidony if she lets her. ]

[indissection]

Oh - wait -

[ That makes her almost stumble, but she gathers herself and allows Athessa to drag her forward and into the crowd.

She does not look prepared. ]

Go with the music? I can't exactly waltz to this.

[ But that does make her laugh, though, and she allows the spin, a smile stuck on her face. Clearly she's enjoying this more than she'd ever be willing to let on. ]

[sulahnan]

Pffffffffffft who needs a waltz anyway?!

[ Though, just to make a point and get closer, Athessa pulls Sidony into a waltz pose, palm to palm, hand on waist, but far more torso contact than any court would allow. What follows is not a waltz, but it's something similar to a child pretending to waltz at double-speed. Very silly.

When they're close enough for Athessa to speak without being overheard, she grins. ]

We both know you got the moves.

[ And just like that, she's at arm's distance again, twisting and hopping and push-pulling on Sidony's hands to get her moving. ]

[indissection]

[ That makes her laugh, softly, but she does let herself be pulled into the dance. It's novel, she thinks, to feel a little more freedom as she moves, to let herself dance and not worry too much about what people think about her.

Her family aren't going to come back for her; she's sure of that. ]

I have some moves, just not these ones.

[ But she does start moving, awkwardly. ]

[sulahnan]

That's it, ya just gotta loosen up.

[ She wiggles Sidony's arms a little for emphasis, then breaks away to do a little shuffle of her own. ]

Don't even think about it, there's no rules!

[indissection]

I have never 'loosened' a day in my life.

[ But she does try, as awkward as she seems. ]

I was trained for years that there were rules to dancing, you're aware.

[sulahnan]

Sure, sure. But those rules can stay in the courts and fancy ballrooms. We don't need 'em here.

[indissection]

What if I like fancy ballrooms?

[ Sidony does a very deliberate twirl, to show off just how fancy her dress is. ]

[sulahnan]

Go ahead and like 'em! But this is just a room.

[ Her grin turns mischievous and she gestures around them. ]

Hardly any balls at all.

[indissection]

[ It takes a moment, but Sidony laughs. ]

No, you're quite right. No balls at all.

[sulahnan]

Thank you for laughing at my stupid joke.

[indissection]

Well, someone has to, don't you think?

[sulahnan]

Sure, just usually that someone ends up being me.

[indissection]

I suppose I have the ill fated condition of thinking you’re charming.

https://tvgag.com/content/quotes/6149-jpg.jpg

[sulahnan]

My condolences.

[ She's well lost the battle to keep a goofy grin off her face, but at least nobody can tell she's blushing without intentionally feeling how warm her face is right now. ]

that's the most legit thing i've ever seen

[indissection]

[ Sidony just laughs, softly, nudging her. ]

You are quite awful.

[sulahnan]

[ Athessa laughs too, and spins Sidony in something like a real dance move. ]

Careful, all these compliments might go to my head.

[indissection]

I will do my utmost to resist. I am Byerly's wife, however - compliments come far too easily.

[ They're a terrible influence on one another. ]

[sulahnan]

[ In the middle of trying to figure out what that means, the music changes and Athessa offers Sidony her hands, an invitation to a dance that the latter woman is more familiar with. ]

[indissection]

[ Oh, this is much better - Sidony steps out with a smile, offering a curtsey before she takes Athessa's hands. ]

Would you like to lead?

[sulahnan]

I don't think I know this one well enough for that.

[indissection]

Then, if you would allow me?

[sulahnan]

By all means, Princess.

[indissection]

Princess? [ She laughs softly. ] If you say so, my dear. [ And she does, pulling Athessa with her and putting their hands in position. ]