[ 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

[heorte]

Have you considered I enjoy your company?

[ Easy things to say to a drunk snake. ]

[nonvenomous]

[ The thought hadn’t crossed his mind. There is a distinct pause accordingly, before he finds traction and falls back into a more critical challenge. ]

Do you find that you’re highly motivated to act on what you want or enjoy personally?

[heorte]

When I can afford to, aye.

[ Which could mean any number of things, really. It's hedging around no; the activities Riftwatch gets up to are often a singular exception. ]

[nonvenomous]

It is a luxury, isn’t it?

[ Ankles crossed, he rocks one boot restlessly over the other, keeping loose time with the music, distant as it is. ]

Albeit one most free humans can afford.

shorter richard: https://i.ibb.co/9ryRJwX/e90057187924094ab5c9d127a9ed073b.png

[heorte]

Most. [ Ellis agrees, though it seems Riftwatch has enough breathing room for celebration and levity. Even the Wardens—

But no. Ellis doesn't think of the lighter moments, the shared conversation and song around campfires or in the wake of a scuffle. It has been some time since he could draw on those memories without feeling the full weight of his decisions bowing his shoulders. ]

Were you ever one for parties?

[ or is it just Riftwatch, Ellis, etc ]

correct

[nonvenomous]

Most of the celebrations I attended were compulsory.

[ Ellis has taken his wine bottle, and his wine cup, and his path to retrieving replacements. Richard calculates, and decides willfully against reaching for the snuffbox sharing a pocket with his snake. He inclines his head instead, studying.

Wbu? ]

[heorte]

[ Seemingly unbothered or willfully ignoring the scrutiny— ]

Is this one compulsory?

[nonvenomous]

Richard shakes his head ‘no.’ He doesn’t really have to think about it, stifling a yawn into a deep breath, along with his scrutiny. He looks away rather than press the issue, back to the band.