[ 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

[heirring]

While one should never underestimate the charm of a gentleman willing to soldier on through his own misfortune, I would hesitate to endorse such a thing Enchanter. As you must know, ladies - particularly ladies in both the business of business and the business of dancing - can be very particular creatures. And while it is certainly possible that this theoretical Merchant of Ostwick might be won over by your wit alone, [she leans in slightly to emphasize this point, eyes bright with answering good humor] the question then becomes one of gambling and nerve: Are you willing to risk it?

[overharrowed]

[He smiles, then, just barely.] When both strategies are risky, it's important to try to lean on the better odds. I've more practice with my mind than with my feet; I think it's the more shrewdly calculated risk.

[Julius leans back, and adds,] That said, it is not an excuse not to try to improve my dancing in the meantime, I grant you. It's always wise to have more tools at one's disposal.

[heirring]

[At last, she breaks and laughs. It's a bright thing, slightly too loud and with too much teeth - very young in the way easy joy often is.]

You really are quite the wit, Enchanter. Not to fear - I'm quite certain you're right that the power of your conversation would sway the opinion of this theoretical fine lady merchant. Really, it must be stated that my motivations for the inquiry have been purely selfish.

[overharrowed]

Oh? How so?

[It's hard not to smile in the face of her laugh, and he doesn't try to resist.]

[heirring]

It is virtually impossible not to enjoy one's self when observing an excellent dancer from the sidelines. [She lifts her glass to drink from before changing her mind, instead clarifying:] And I recall that Madame de Cedoux is a rather good one.

[And now she may take a sip from the cup.]

[overharrowed]

[He laughs.]

Ah, all becomes clear. She is, at that. I am afraid I do rather hold her back, though she is too patient to ever say so.

[heirring]

Then you must take the initiative, Enchanter! A lady's patience is not to be so undervalued!

[Clearly it is outrageous that he doesn't avail himself of the woman's company at every turn!]

[overharrowed]

I assure you, [raising his hands in mild defense], I don't take her for granted in the slightest. I'm only concerned for the delicacy of her poor feet, I assure you.

[heirring]

All the more reasons to apply yourself to the practice of the thing, Enchanter. I'm quite certain she would be willing to entertain a little danger for the pleasure of the thing. Most ladies do.