Open: In a shout of joy at the only shrine where you come benighted and leave benign

[vineleaves]

Dark has come and gone again, which means it’s time to party.

In some ways the party is very similar to last year’s - same large banquet room in the mansion, a similarly large abundance of food and drink, and the promise of a night full of letting loose for everyone in attendance. It’s far from a direct clone of the previous party though. For starters, Dionysus has had Claudius help him in all of the planning (sometimes a god’s blessings come in the form of enrichment for one’s enclosure). They’ve gotten several of the mansion’s residents to agree to play live music during the night, and Dionysus was able to find some, ah, more widely appreciated CDs to play during the breaks between performers.

The room has been decorated to the nines again, but where last year he had green vines draping on the walls diffusing the glow from the twinkling fairy lights, this year he has strung up swooping vines of silver, glittering almost like tinsel. The large food tables have an almost ridiculous amount of things to munch on; there should be something for everyone there.

It should go without saying that the beverage tables are well-stocked, considering the host.

The festivities are starting a little earlier this year than last, out of respect for those who may or may not have earlier bedtimes. Come dressed in your finest, it’s a yearly tradition now!




Just as there was last year, there is to be an ‘after party’. If your character is part of the standard Orgy Invite Crew, they will have received another invitation to that half of the evening as well. Just like last year, this part of the event is to be handwaved, for obvious reasons.

Comments

[timebethine]

"Then let me protest. He knows thee, and loves thee. He is not deceived or confused. Slight not the sweet man whom I love so well."

[futaille]

"He does, I know. And you have to know I'm improving in that regard, but this... is so monumental it's startling sometimes."

[timebethine]

"The world here is turned upside-down from what we knew--but hot is still hot, and cold is cold; it is not yet unknowable." He reaches out to gather Grantaire against him. "Thou wert lovable ere thou camest here. Of this, I am full certain."

[futaille]

He takes the opportunity to lean against Laertes. "Much more certain than I am, then."

[timebethine]

Laertes draws him down to kiss his brow, his temple, the fine soft hair at his hairline. "Canst thou not love thyself, my sweet?"

[futaille]

"Sometimes a bit, yes. But not really before here."

[timebethine]

His fingers tracing the patterns of jewels on Grantaire's jacket, Laertes says softly, "Thou wilt come to learn it. We'll teach thee. Thou wilt be loved so well, and by so many, that in time thou wilt know no other way to live."

[futaille]

A little smile creeps onto his face. "It probably helps that I'm loath to distrust everyone's tastes that much."

[timebethine]

"Thou art the best-loved man here--thou and Sagramore, and perhaps Dionysus. So many people can't be wrong about thee."

[futaille]

"So many wonderful people, at that."

[timebethine]

"So many wonderful people." He closes his eyes, and rests his cheek against Grantaire's brow.

[futaille]

He exhales softly, contentedly. "Thank you."

[timebethine]

A hum of pleasure. "Wouldst stay in mine arms a while?"

[futaille]

"Of course I will."

[timebethine]

Then Laertes holds him, quiet and affectionate, until some dance or spill of laughter breaks over them in a wave and pulls them apart again.