SATINALIA

[incaenstrix]

WHO: Everybody!!
WHAT: SATINALIA!!
WHEN: Backdated to the first day of Firstfall
WHERE: Gallows courtyard
NOTES: Drunkenness and shenanigans. HALLOWEENMAS!!

This Satinalia is, perhaps, less grand than in years past. Blockades are still limiting access to luxury goods, after all, so the fine liquors and dainty foods that have been featured before are nowhere to be found. And Tertia, the temporary Morale Officer, doesn't have the connections or deft touch of organizers past, so things are rougher than they've been before - the musicians are less polished, the ale a little more watered-down, the decorations somewhat haphazard.

But you know what? It's still Satinalia. Nothing can really screw up Satinalia. Especially because there are some rather lovely touches, the best of which might well be the ice skating rink. A section of the Gallows Courtyard has been roped off and frozen over with magic, leaving a (largely) smooth sheet of ice covering it. Skates are available to borrow if you don't have a pair. Of course, some injuries are definitely going to result (if you skate off the edge, you're smacking into stone instead of a soft snowbank, which can be disastrous), but hey, it's fun.

Other perks are the bonfires, with mulled wine and cider being served out of cauldrons around them, where people might sit and reflect while watching the flame. There's also dancing, of course, with the musicians basically being any band that's been recommended by members of Riftwatch - so there are lots of half-competent cousins-of-friends playing here. What they lack in skill they make up for in enthusiasm; this is the first gig for a lot of them, and they're thrilled to be here.

One thing that's missing is the Satinalia fool being named ruler. Tertia wasn't familiar with this tradition and didn't arrange it - so there's a last-minute campaign being held, in which people can either nominate others or self-nominate to be named Riftwatch's greatest fool to be celebrated.

Enjoy yourself. Exchange presents. Get drunk. Have a blast. Don't lose any teeth.

Comments

[indissection]

[ If there is an event to dress up for then, unfortunately, Sidony must attempt to look as though she is the best dressed there no matter what. There is no denying that there is a slight chill to the air, the pinks of her cheeks lightly from the bite of cold, but the fire seems to be doing a decent enough job of keeping her warm until she throws herself into the dancing once again.

She needed a break, if only to stop all the silly, awkward conversations.

Lifting her head up to look at Abby - sometimes she forgets quite how tall she is, and it's beyond charming when she remembers - Sidony hums, reaching up to push a few strands of her hair out of her eyes. Much better. ]

Not particularly. The fire and the company is more than enough for me this evening, I think. How are you finding the celebrations?

[armd]

(Well, she does look like she is the best dressed there, easy. Has she noticed her own husband is dressed like a cat?

True to her word, Sidony's fingertips are soft and warm when she brushes bits of hair out of Abby's eyes for her. Abby lowers the cup of wine. She passes it back, with a murmur of gratitude.) They're good, (she confesses, her head tipping back as she looks up. Because Sidony both touched it and looked she adds, self-consciously,) Does it look okay? I- haven't really done it like this before.

[indissection]

[ Sidony is careful with her interactions; she keeps her damaged hand on her lap, letting her left hand be the one to touch and nudge hair gently, her expression serene despite how careful she is being.

Shaking her head, she examines Abby properly before she smiles. ]

I think it looks wonderful. Did you do it yourself? It suits you.

[armd]

(Abby grins, clearly pleased with herself. Her hand drifts to the nape of her neck and rubs in, pressing the warmth from the fire against her skin.) Thanks. Gwenaëlle gave me some ribbons for Satinalia, so I figured I should try using them before they turn into bookmarks. (That fate will befell them eventually, but for now they do look handsome twisted up into her hair, a splash of blue against her dark blonde braids.)

Took a couple tries, though. I need more practice. (And because Sidony always looks so nice,) Maybe you could show me how you do yours sometime?

[indissection]

They're very handsome. Gwenaëlle has always had excellent taste in clothing. [ An idle compliment easily given. She spends a little more time just looking at Abby, as if examining her, before she settles back and allows herself to just relax. It's not as though she has to put on any airs or pretences here; there are no expectations of her.

It doesn't make it easier. ]

I would be more than happy to. You can even practice on my hair if you'd like.

[armd]

Thanks. (Sidony is still looking at her. Abby can't help but feel measured by an invisible standard and has to resist the urge to fiddle with a bit of loose hair. She's been wanting to say something- about Adra, obviously, acknowledging her absence. They weren't overly close but Abby liked her, and she knows how close she was with Sidony.

Before she can say anything at all, Sidony breaks the eye contact. Abby can't tell if she's relieved or not.)

Yeah? I'd- yeah, that'd be cool. (She grins.) But I should probably tell you now that you're never getting me into a dress like that. I'll do the braids, but that's it. (She's perfectly happy in her trousers and shirts and woolen vests.)

[indissection]

I have no intention of sharing my taste with anyone, I can assure you. I will simply have to aid you in finding other fashion to best suit you.

[ Sidony's eyes do drag up and down Abby again, though, almost deliberate, and her smile settles into something a little gentler. ]

I think there is some Nevarran fashion that would suit you terribly well. No skirts, I promise, nor any of my fancy shoes.

[armd]

(This time she clues in on Sidony looking at her for longer than is strictly necessary, and her head tilts curiously to one side, returning her gaze. She wishes she had her own cup of mulled cider to drink now, maybe she should go and get something.

Admittedly,) That would help. I'm- (it seems stupid to her, but she'll easily say it to a friend,) not great at this stuff. Fashion. Or knowing what looks good. All I know is what I don't like. (The fancy dresses, for example, but- maybe a skirt would be okay, for special occasions. If it was long, and easy to run in.)

[indissection]

[ She's careful with it, just subtle enough for second guessing, but there's no denying that Abby is nice to look at. There's no reason to hide it, either.

Not anymore. ]

I am rather proficient in that area. I would be more than happy to help you, if it was something you desired.

[armd]

('Desired' is... such a strong word (it's just fashion!) but Abby nods anyway, and tucks her clasped hands between her knees. She's been trying to think of ways that her and Sidony could hang out more often anyway.)

Okay. (And cuz she doesn't wanna be a drag and take without giving she adds,) Is there anything I could help you with?

[indissection]

[ It's an easy enough offer to make, and Sidony nods her head, already planning up a few things in the back of her mind. ]

I'm sure I can find something that will need carrying at some point.

[armd]

(This gets a chuckle out of Abby.) Okay.

(It's true that she is good for that. She holds out her hand, gesturing toward Sidony's cup. Can she have another sip? Also,) We should probably address the elephant in the room, huh.

[indissection]

[ Which immediately has Sidony frowning, tilting her head. ]

The… Elephant?

[armd]

The elephant in the room.

(You know?

Oh! She suddenly looks like she's about to laugh, shoulders hunching.) It's- just a figure of speech. Means that there's a problem that's obviously present but you're talking around it.

[indissection]

Ah, I see.

[ Sidony sighs. She can imagine what it is, but she is hardly so forthcoming, so - ]

Feel free to ask.

[armd]

(Well, that killed the vibe.

Abby chins her hand, looking at her. She says, simply:) Adra's gone.

[indissection]

[ Ah, well. Sidony smiles thinly. ]

She has been, for a little while. It has been an adjustment.

[armd]

We don't have to talk about it. (Not if Sidony is going to make a face like that at her.

Abby looks sheepish.) Sorry. I... wanted to know if you're okay.

[indissection]

No, no, it is quite alright.

[ She sighs, taking another sip of her drink. Grounding. ]

I was not, for some time. But I believe I am doing a little better now.

[armd]

That's good. (She kinda feels like an asshole for having brought it up at all but oh well! Can't take it back!)

If- you ever want to hang out, you can message me. I was kinda hoping to spend more time with you.

[indissection]

[ It's not the worst thing she could've brought up, really.

That does make her eyebrow raise, though, lips twitching up coyly. ]

Abby. It almost sounds as though you are flirting with me.

[armd]

Does it? (Haha. help

Abby rubs the back of her neck, shrugs. Honestly,) I don't know if I am. But I really would like to hang out with you more. Is that okay?

[indissection]

[ Abby. You're so cute. ]

Of course. I find myself short of friends, the numbers that keep leaving us.

[armd]

(She's embarrassing. She is so embarrassed right now. 'I don't know if I am', who says that!!)

Yeah. Me too. (Abby's had a few leave her lately. Doesn't get any easier. She stares at the fire for a moment, and then seems to jerk herself out of it, looking to Sidony.) Do you want to dance?

[indissection]

[ Sidony, at least, doesn't seem at all upset, and she looks over at the dancers with a smile before she slowly pushes herself to her feet. ]

It would be a shame to waste my dress. [ It's not as if she's going to demand her husband entertain her. She offers her hand - the one without missing fingers. ] Can you lead?