SATINALIA 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO.

[deuselfmachina]

WHO: All
WHAT: A second crack at celebrating Satinalia, because we deserve nice things.
WHEN: Mid-Firstfall
WHERE: The Gallows, in the gardens.
NOTES: n/a

It's twilight when Second Satinalia is in its fullest swing. The weather is unseasonably warm, and so they've made use of the gardens as the site for partying. Carefully placed lanterns shine through the odd tree or hover over bushes that have since lost their flowers.

However, decoration makes up for the lack of springtime flora. The space is decorated in shining garlands of gold and silver ribbons, paper flowers, and hanging ornamentations that flip between moons and suns. (If they look a little used, it's because these are second-hand decorations from slightly more affluent Satinalia parties been and gone, borrowed or donated.) There is also a firepit, providing a source of warmth and light.

In the invitations that went out, everyone was encouraged to come in costume as they'd intended to, but noted that for those whom their costumes were ruined or they would simply like to wear something different, there will be masks available, along with some costume pieces—fake jewelry, big hats, faux-velvet and harlequin coats, and so on, though they must be given back, s'il vous plaît. Florent will also offer his abilities in face painting and makeup prior to the party beginning, and will talk you into going spooky in case more skeletons come and they need to blend in to throw them off. (He can be found with his own stylish paintwork, a skeletal design in silver and white and grey.)

Everyone has also been invited to bring along some food and drink if they have it, as their budget is run a bit thin, but there will definitely be enough wine to go around, and some fruits and sweet pastries purchased from the market that day all offered on a table.

There is some music, a few local musicians (who have been promised, variously, tickets to shows, or work opportunities with certain prominent Orlesian playhouses, which may or may not be legitimate) set up with a fiddle, some percussion instruments, something that resembles a very elaborate xylophone, all playing a diverse array of up tempo tunes that allow for a bit of dancing in the more open area of the garden, but otherwise suffuses the shadows and fractured conversations with pleasant noise.

Drink, be merry, don't kill anyone.

Comments

[notathreat]

For once, Cole's easy to spot, for all that he looks even more ghostly than usual. Like some kind of forest spirit haunting the corners. Skittish and shy, but with an undercurrent of something off.

Ellie's never gotten rid of the weird feeling around Cole, but it's mellowed out over time into personal fondness. They both are more comfortable being invisible. So when she sees him, she can't help the small smile that makes a home in the corners of her eyes.

Shifting up to his side, she turns to put her back against the wall, leaning against it. She doesn't duck her head to look at his face, seek out his eyes. Instead she tilts her head to one side, looking out at the crowd.

"Did Astarion get his claws into you, too?"

[helpinghidinghaunting]

The ghost feels Ellie approach before he even turns his head - slowly but surely learning her soul's song across his senses. She has complicated hurt, like so many, but...he likes her. They have settled into a sort of easygoing companionship whenever they cross paths.

While she doesn't look to him, he looks to her in confusion, brows furrowing.

"...His claws? No, he only suggested these clothes."

[notathreat]

"It's a metaphor, dude," Ellie says with a smile, despite the both of them knowing that metaphors have to go through a Cole filter before they make much sense.

"But yeah, he's gone around suggesting stuff for a bunch of people, seems like."

Ellie reaches up to gesture at the hat.

"You look cute."

[helpinghidinghaunting]

"Oh," he answers simply, nodding once in understanding. He doesn't know what a 'dude' is, but it seems said sweetly, friendly, kind. He doesn't question it.

Pale eyes follow her hand as she gestures upward, sticking up there a moment as if he's trying to see his own antlers before dropping again towards her face. A little smile twitches on his lips, and he tries to remember his manners, seem social. Practice, practice.

"...Thank you. You look very nice."

Simply spoken, but sincere, his own spindly hand gesturing to her gown.

[notathreat]

"Thanks. Astarion though the night sky would fit me."

Ellie's not sure whether it's because she's getting used to Cole and his mannerisms, but he's starting to seem more like an awkward young guy than something otherwordly, and she grins back at him.

"... much rather be watching it right now, but- well. Gotta make sure this party doesn't-"

She bites her lower lip. Well. He knows.

[helpinghidinghaunting]

"It - it does. The stars suit you."

The ghost boy knows well that he makes people uncomfortable - but the longer he spends practicing, the less likely he is to loom like a threat in people's minds. The grin is nice. It's nice to be smiled at. His own smile widens a little in return, a sad, flinching thing.

Especially at the insinuation that she leaves hanging, to which he nods.

"Yes. But it seems safe so far, I hope."