Party Near the Summit - RPLOG
Participants
Date
30/8/478
Log
It might've been raining in Firmament tonight, but this far out rain was not even a slight concern. At least yet. For now, the sun was only starting to set, painting the canvas on the sky with the little sparkly bits of moon remnants. The party had only just begun out in the estate's garden, with buffet tables set up under the roofing along the sides.
The guests that had already arrived were mingling, many of them Solacious ilk by the looks of things, and a few nobles from other families there to make an appearance. And because they had the time to run off to the mountain for a party. They weren't the only ones, though, as a number of most-likely-not nobles were milling about, as well. A band was playing on the top of the steps leading into the castle, providing a low, ambient tune for the mellow evening.
Natska smiles happily as she sips on a glass of chilled cider, the jaguar staying close to Cassidy. She is wearing a light, blue sundress over her swimwear, and seeing to her duties as hostess, cheerfully greeting people as they arrive and making sure everyone has what they need to be happy and enjoy the night.
Zuri steps up, the jovial salamander tailwagging happily as he stands in line waiting to be admitted. He's dressed smartly tonight, a well tailored tailcoat, pinstripe pattern, dark grey to complement his exotic coloration. He peers around, hoping to see some of his friends.
Rokarion follows after Zuri, the plant being is dressed in his courtier garb as he stands next to Zuri, gaze more stern and gait more prim and proper, "I hope you will have fun here." the plant being idly comments, now a noticeable Cliffside accent in his voice.
The mute nurse shark arrives, wearing a black shirt with silver embroidery sized for a larger being. She has it belted about her waist, so it instead looks quite like a dress on her. She is wearing a simple bandeau and swim shorts underneath. She smiles as she looks around, walking over to the hosts and waving a bit. <A pleasure to make it out. I am myself sad that the rain does not come out this far, but it is better for the swimming.> She signs. Her ears perk a bit as she hears the Cliffside accent, curious.
Bazalt Blinks as he walks in looking around slowly. He was dressed normally! weapons and all! And THERE WAS A POOL! HE notes to keep as far away from it as possible as he looks around nervously, no doubt he's stick out if not for his clothing then for his weapons.. and to amke it worse he was a shadow..He just gulps. "oh.... why did I come?" He mumbles to himself as he just looks around..
Selena yawns quietly, the canine making her way onto the premises in an outit clearly not suited to swimming - unless getting her usual attire wet was on the agenda for the day. "Quite the crowd here today..." She muses, making her way around the periphery, noting the number of unfamiliar faces around the area.
Hartford stumps his way into the hall wearing a rather stunning pair of tight red swimming trunks (In the Creator style, he is told). The effect is rather remarkable against his blue and white, skunk striped fur. The reindeer guard takes a quick scan of the room, then steps to one side. "All clear Mister Brutus, Sir," he announces.
Party? Nobility? Free food and drink? It'd be a bigger surprise to not see Brutus here. Not to mention, at six and a half feet and 400 pounds he was pretty hard to miss, between the routine thumping of his cane and the large silk robe and light, baggy trousers he had purchased during the Longtech sojourn to Shralesta--while these loose, breathable garments had kept him cool during a damnably hot summer, they failed to make him appear any less...voluminous.
"I do appreciate your circumspection, dear Hartford, but I sincerely doubt any harm would befall me. The threat of scandal at her doorstep should be enough for Lady Solacious to keep this party safe," the large nobleskunk gently reprimands Hartford. Honestly, he was worried this big show of keeping him safe would only draw further attention. Tucking the cane beneath his arm and hoisting the pant-legs up by the hips so as not to tread on the hem, Brutus wades into the crowd, ready and willing to mingle, carouse, and partake of some free delicacies.
Jera makes his way into the hallway. He wears an unusual swim suit for a male with a thick-cut covering around his chest. Too much time spent as a female influencing his wardrobe, perhaps. The dull white stands out against his fur rather well, matching his color scheme. He's surprised by how crowded the occasion is, but waves to all his friends nontheless.
Cassidy leans against Natska, grinning happily as the guests make their way in. "Goodness, this is more than I was expecting! I hope I've got enough food!" she says, before nodding at Cirra's approach. "And I did not expect to see you, Cirra! Thank you for coming, I am pleased to see that you were able to make it! And the rain comes out here -sometimes- but usually just when it blows in from Firmament. No, today the water has had time to bake in the sun, and is only just now starting to cool again with the evening! It should be a fantastic temperature."
Rokarion and Zuri are premitted through without any fuss, the tailcoat and tophat clad butler at the gate complementing the salamander on his own coat as he waves them through. Cirra isn't the only one to have noticed to have noticed the Cliffside accent, it seems, when the jasmine gets a nod of greeting from a dapperly dressed wolf sipping on a glass of wine. Too well dressed to be a commoner, but definitely no Solacious fox.
"To have a reason to break routine and enjoy the summer evenings while we have them?" Comes a feminine voice directed at Bazalt, the source of which is a serpenting woman leaning against one of the pillars apart from the crowd. "I imagine that is why most of us are here."
Cassidy gives a happy wave towards Selena and Jera, grinning again. "And hello, you two! Nice to see you out here! Our 'little' party here is all the greater for your presence! And Brutus, Hartford! You two, too? Great! Please, enjoy what is provided! I am sure there will be something, or someone, here to interest -almost- everyone. Except maybe Sven. It might be a little -too- low key for him," she says with a gentle laugh. "But I assure you that everything is safe here!"
Natska grins happily, her ears perked as she gets to greet her friends. "Some crowd, certainly," she comments. "I like the outfit, Jera, it looks great. How are you doing? It has been far too long since we saw you. Since we saw a lot of people; things have been so quiet lately."
Zuri briefly detaches from Rokarion to go explore, the salamander moving toards the center of the open area to check out the premises, and keeping an eye out for any beings he might recognize. The salamander slowly circles around, trying to mingle with the crowd.
Rokarion stepped inside, the plant being was dressed in a white, frilly shirt with a white cravat around his neck topped with a light grey waistcoat, and finally a dark green frock coat as the outermost layer. It was a stark contrast to his usual humble outfit. Rokarion nods his head at Cassidy and Natska, "Grettings, ladies Solacious. A pleasure coming here." After greeting his associates, Rokarion turns around and nods at the wolf in turn before turning around back to Cassidy, "A friend of yours?" he asks.
Hartford falls into step just. behind Brutus, his almost-skunk tail flipping idly. "Just doing my job, Mister Brutus," he says, "And thank you for the swimming suit. I did not have anything for a fancy swimming party." The big blue reindeer does his best to be inconspicuous to allow his noble employer to hob nob appropriately.
Cirra smiles, grinning as she signs to her hosts. <Don't mind if I take advantage of it. I enjoy being in the water, and it's rare that I can do so without worry of injury.> She walks over to the pool, taking off the shirt and revealing the swimsuit underneath, slinking into the waters.
Jera watches Cirra undress...and then coughs as he doesn't quite find what he's looking for. The fennec deciding to join the shark, even if he's not likely to be able to keep up!
Cassidy leans to the side, glancing over towards the wolf before looking towards Rokarion and flashing a smile. "Ah... A friend... Not exactly. That is Horatio Wirefur. He was visiting the family for business purposes, and my father insisted he come he come here with him. So I am just trying not to make a poor impression." She is stopped, then, to exchange a few quiet words with another fennec that looks rather like a younger Cassidy before the new fox zips off again. "Ah, feel free, Cirra! The food and pool are here for everyone to enjoy!"
Bazalt Blinks and nods to theone to spoke to him "Y..yeah exactly!" HE gulps and wanders off, eyes darting about ...so many.. people... this was a bad idea. He skaes slightly and gulps before headding to a serving table. Yes food and drink-well needed distractions...
Selena chuckles quietly and shakes her head at the greeting she's given by Cassidy. "I'm not sure I'm improving that much by being here." She replies. "You certainly have some odd holidays - celebrating the end of summer. Is that a Sweetwater thing, or..?" Jera's given a nod in acknowledgement, then clicking her tongue for a moment. "Wirefurs." She mutters under her breath. "I'll avoid souring that, then. You already know I don't have the best opinion of that house."
Zuri steps up to the pool, peering inside and around at all the other beings enjoying it, or preparing to. The salamander continues to circle around, wiggling his snout curiously. He circles around completely and returns to Rokarion's side.
Natska takes Cassidy's hand and gives it a small squeeze, then kisses the back of it. She turns her smile over to Selena then, her tail swishing back and forth, then shrugs her shoulders. "Every day is worth celebrating, Selena. It doesn't have to be a holiday or a special occaison; just feeling happy is worth it too."
Cirra swims gracefully through the water before noticing Jera joining her. She smiles at the vulpine being, signing to him with a smile. <What brings you out here, my lord?> She does remember his ancestry, after all.
Zuri, meanwhile, is confronted with another salamander- Wait, no, that's a gecko. A leopard gecko, even, who offers a polite wave as she helps herself to a tall mug of ale. "Hello there. I think I have seen you around the Freesword's inn from time to time. Both of you," she says, looking towards Rokarion next. "I am Sil, nice to meet you!"
The serpent that had been speaking to Bazalt folds an arm around her chest to cup her elbow, drawing another sip from her wine. "Well, try not to let yourself get too stressed out," she says, offering a wave to the departing wolf.
Cassidy turns to smile at Zuri after the gecko's greeting. "And hello to you, too! Nice to see you out here. And no, it's not really a Sweetwater thing, Selena. More of a... Me thing! Natska and I wanted to throw a party this summer, so... We're doing it!"
Hartford procures a whole tray of goodies from a circulsting servant, shooing him off and holding the tray in place for Brutus. The blue reindeer looks as happy as a child on his birthday as he follows the plus size skunk around, though he does give a longing glance or two toward the pool.
Brutus looks a bit miffed at Cass's greeting--what'd she mean, 'you two too!' Talking about them like they were an uninvited couple. Erm. Because they weren't a couple. He couldn't do that to poor Hartford, the boy looked up to him like an older brother. Ahem.
He clears his throat and puts on his blandest smile, replying with a perfectly well-mannered 'thank you' and putting an arm around his man-at-arms as he leads the 'deer towards the pool. "Now, you have worked long and hard enough lately. I want you to enjoy yourself too, tonight. Relax--that's an order!" the Skunk says, putting on a terrible drill-sergeant voice to command him around. "Oh! But do wait for a minute, these look delectable..." he calls, plucking a dainty or two from Hartford's 'borrowed' tray.
Zuri smiles at the friendly gecko and pads over, greeting her with a smile and and an outstretched hand. "Hi Sil, it's nice to meet you." He grins. "My name's Zuri, and the jasmine here next to me is Rokarion." He eyes the gecko up and down, trying to recognize her. "So you're with the Freeswords, Sil? Or just a patron of the inn in general?"
Rokarion nods his head at Cassidy, "A member of house Wirefur, I see." he says before Zuri comes back to his side. The plant being eyes the gecko nearby and smiles back at her before kneeling down a bit and whispering something to Zuri. Rokarion then looks up at Selena and gives her a respectful nod, "Ah, Miss Selena. Pleasure meeting you here." he says as he hears her comment about the wirefurs, "Speaking about political opinions, have you been following the political situation in Cliffside?"
"Well, if that's what you want to do." Selena replies. Brutus is given a level glance as she takes a longer look around, the wolfess apparently having not forgotten the rotund noble. Rokarion's comments are met with a quirked eyebrow. "Am I that recognizable?" She quips, offering a hand. "Still it's good to see you again as well. I have been keeping tabs on the situation, but not actively. I couldn't care less what becomes of it, frankly. Cliffside politics is particularly dirty business, even when it appears clean-cut."
Bazalt Grabs some food and Chew one it gulping it down heartily. "Relax.. damn-just.. relax.." HE takes a deep breath and truns around, eyes those he knew.. and ok..alot of.. Stranger figures.. a Blue... thing a fat.. thing.. He sighs and heads over-not Realizing there close to the pool untill to late HE spots the body of Water and Freezes-Staring dead at it.
"Nice to meet you, too, Rokarion!" Sil says with a smile, giving a little curtsy. "I am a Freesword, yes. A bard by trade. And thaaaat..." She trails off, looking amongst the crowd before pointing off towards a blue-tailed skink of a being busy laughing with a small group of waterclan individuals. "Is Wilford, my bondmate. He does the fighting of the two of us, I just follow along and makes sure he's in a good enough shape to keep doing so!"
Cassidy, meanwhile, gives Brutus an odd look. Was her greeting poor? Did he swallow a bug? She shrugs and looks back towards Rokarion and Selena, tail flicking behind her. "Your presence is a boon! Friends make parties all the better."
While in the midst of delectable morsel of sweet cheese melted over fruit on rusk--the sweet juicy fruit like a canteen of cool water amid the desert of the dry, twice-baked bread--word of Cliffside politics reaches Brutus's ears, and tail twitches and begins to stand up, seeming to come to a life of its own.
"Oh, really now. This is meant to be a celebration! Must we bring up such...distasteful gossip here?" he grumbles aloud. "Politics spoils my appetite," he mopes, plucking another pastry or two from the tray and cradling them in an arm rested against his generous bosom.
Hartford grins happily. "Are you sure, Mister Brutus?" he asks, "I am happy to stay and help you if you want." He keeps the tray level for his hungry employer.
Zuri throws Rokarion a smirk as he whispers to him, then turns his attention back to Sil, nodding at her words. He looks over at the skink, then back at her, smiling brightly. "That's great to hear! I find that adventure and common adversity is a great way to form lasting bonds, to really bring two beings together." He looks around, then back at the gecko. "I myself don't spend as much time at the Freeswords' as I used to.. what with the constant stream of work coming from Cliffside, and travels to Braevales..."
Bazalt Stares the the pool and truns around only for his exit to be Blocked by a Group of People. The wolf shakesslightly and takes a step backward, closer to the pool as he frowns "Oh... I'm regretting this..." He says out loud, Glacing around quickly for another way out.
Selena rolls her eyes slightly. "You flatter me." She replies with a half-smile, looking back over her shoulder at the noble. "Brutus, you're under no obligation to join in the conversation - and we're being perfectly civil. I trust you can behave maturely and simply ignore us?" the canine deadpans, turning back to Rokarion. "Pardon, you were saying?"
Natska slips Cassidy a quick hug, then disappears through a doorway into the estate proper. She comes back out in a minute in her black one piece swim suit, and then lets herself into the pool, sighing happily as she relaxes near the edge of the water.
Rokarion nods his head at Sil smiling as he looks down on Zuri, nodding at Sil before looking back at the two ladies in front of him, "A pleasure being here as well Lady Cassidy." he comments. Rokarion grabs some fresh juice from one of the butlers, making sure to get a glass of some sweet juice and giving it to Zuri as well, "So you have no 'favourites' with the current candidate line up?" he asks with a smile before his attention is grabbed by Brutus, the plant being raises a brow before nodding his head again, "My apologies Lord Brutus. I did not meant to quench your endless appetite."
Jera gently pokes Cirra's side with her tail. "Who signs when swimming?" He laughs, rolling around to float on his back. All the fluff on his form helping to keep him afloat as he paddled leisurely, quite enjoying the quiet moment.
Cirra mock pouts at her friend, smiling as she rubs against him. <I do. Especially when under water. Because that's easier than chalk, and I can swim with just my tail.> She splashes him playfully, then waves to Natska at the edge of the pool.
"Oh, I agree!" Sil says, fixing a plate of food to go with her drink. "That's how we met, actually! He and I ended up on the same group assignment a few times, and we started to hang out more. And... Well! We still make a hobby of it. Adventuring is great fun, don't you think?"
Cassidy tugs off her own dress and folds it up by the edge of the pool. She was already in her own one-piece bathing suit under it, so by the time Natska is back out, she's able to slip into the water with her, nodding at Cirra and Jera. "Are you alright there?" She asks, turning a concerned look up towards Bazalt. "You are not ill, are you?"
Hartford hands off the food tray with a smile and jogs heavily toward the pool, tail swaying happily. "Make way!" he cheers, then throws himself Snowmark style into the pool! "CANNON BALL!"
Zuri grins widely at the gecko, nodding quickly. "Absolutely! I honestly don't know how I lived before the Freeswords. My first contract was lifechanging, like I had found a new purpose." He peers around, then leans in. "And... I found my special being at the Freeswords' as well." He leans back again, smirking. "We should go out on an adventure sometime." He pauses, then asks. "I don't suppose you approached me because you have a request? If so I'm in, I love helping." He smiles.
Jera gasps. "Water magic!" He chuckles, and splashes back at Cirra with a giggle. He waves at Cassidy and Natska, patting the surface of the water as if to invite them! A...at least until he is drenched thoroughly by Hartford!
It wouldn't be so bad for Hartford if Brutus would be a decent glutton and just scarf down the damn hors-d'ouveres. But no, the Skunk was a proper gourmand, delicately picking at each one, savoring the brilliant contrasts and sublime complements of each morsel, experiencing each one in a moment of epicurean ecstasy, and generally taking forever to do what took most beings two bites.
Putting on his smuggest grin, he swallows and replies. "My dear Selena, if you wish to engage in this sort of talk, perhaps you should be more present in your courtly duties." Rejoinder delivered, he turns around to find his steadfast companion has disappeared, replaced by an estate servant who was already walking off to serve other guests besides him--how rude! His fuzzy round face sags a bit as he frowns at his newfound loneliness, though it brings a bit of a smile back to his face to hear Hartford's adolescent glee in leaping into the pool.
"You say duties as if my presence was mandated. I'm flattered." Selena replies over her shoulder, in the same deadpan tone she'd used before, turning around as Cassidy makes her way over to the edge of the pool and laughing to herself for a moment, aparrently more content to remain around the edges of the area as opposed to the pool.
If it wouldn't have been seen as potentially threatening, Cirra would use actual water magic silliness on the fox. She rolls over in the water, waiting to see what her hostesses are going to do. She is enjoying the chance to properly swim, though.
Natska laughs cheerfully. She leans her shoulder against Cassidy and enjoys the contact for a moment, then pushes off from the wall, swimming out closer to Jera and Cirra, shaking her head. "Be careful, Hartford, the pool isn't -that- deep. And we would like to keep the water -in- the pool."
"Oh, did you? Yes, I suspected as much!" Sil says, glancing towards Rokarion and offering a little grin. "I've seen you two around, like I said. You two seemed close. Good on you for that! Everyone deserves to find someone special. Makes life so much better, doesn't it?" She giggles quietly, nibbling on her meal. "And no, no requests! Just wanted to say hello! Parties are great for mingling and making new friends, and since you were familiar, I figured why not!"
Cassidy glances back towards Brutus and Selena for a moment, starting to say something before she's interrupted by Hartford's dive. There's a squeak and she's briefly pulled under by the ripples, but she's soon surfacing back up, laughing merrily. "Yes, it's -hard- to get water out here for this, you know!"
"Selenaaaa! Come join us!" The kit fox seems intent to get everyone wet! Paddling to the edge of the pool to flick water with his fingers at the wolf's feet. He lets himself chill at the edge for a while after getting a faceful from Hartford!
Zuri smiles at Sil. "Consider it a standing offer then. Your friend Zuri is here to help with anything you need! And the offer extends to Wilford as well, of course!" He pauses as the loud -SPLASH- catches his attention, the amphibian turning over and giggling. "Oh wow, someone's having fun!"
Bazalt Blinks and frowsn he takes anotehr step back andd anotehr and- he turns to look down the the pool and the one who spoke to him, his slit eyes staring at the water mroe than her. "i-i-i'm o-ok t..t-hank you.." He glups and Blinks. before frownsing was the.. water getting closer? oh. no... He lets out a brife "EEEK!" before SPLOOSH! the black wolf is submirders and.. flailing under the water-wait It appears he cannot swim! and if anything that fact jsut makes him flail more.
Cirra is quite enjoying herself when she notices the wolf fall into the water. She quickly makes her way over to Bazalt, attempting to use her superior skills at swimming and other aquatic activities to help him back to where he can stand.
Selena raises a hand in polite denial to Jera's request. "No, thank you." The cenine shifts back slightly, evaporating what water was flicked her way after it splatters harmlessly to the ground.
Rokarion takes a sip from his drink before looking at Sil, then back at Zuri, "Indeed, you could say that." he comments as Hartford splashes into the water, "Hmmm, you could join them if you wish, Zuri. In fact...." he trails off as he notices Bazalt falling into the water, "Hmmm, well good thing there are a lot of people to help him in the pool." the plant adds as he looks down at Zuri, "Hmm, I know this sounds silly but you do know how to swim, yes?"
Hartford shakes the water from his thick fur, laughing. He blinks around as he stands, the water only coming up to his shaggy shoulders. "Come in, Mister Brutus!" he calls out, "The water is great!" He blinks and looks around hearing calls for help. The big reindeer slogs through the water and picks up the flailing wolf. "You okay, friend?" he asks.
Zuri looks up at Rokarion, quirking an eyebrow at him. "Of course I do! What do you take me for? A great adventurer has to be ready for all elements, especially the dangerous ones!" He giggles. "I think I'll pass, however, rather hang out with my new friend Sil and all the other gentlebeings out here."
Natska quietly chuckles, smiling as she begins working her way around the courtyard pool at a leisurely pace. Her motions are smooth and graceful, an evening in the water a normal occurance for her out here.
Bazalt Blinks and GAsps as he's RAises above the water-he remains in teh ppol however and he looks around suprised. "I.. -ah" cough" S..sorry.. I.. didnt mean to make.. a scene.." He gulps and blushes under his wet-black fur. "S..sorry.." He just stammers over and over.
Cirra pats Bazalt, checking to make sure he didn't injure himself while falling in. Satisfied that the reindeer has the wolf in good hands, she decides that now is the time for her to indulge in the sweet treats and other delectables that the Solacious make. It's nice, being a gourmet in fancy company.
"Cirra! Mind if you take some food to the poolside? I kinda don't want to drip anywhere..." The fox tried to mask laziness.
Brutus seems poised to continue his bickerfest with the resident magic wolf--there's so many options, like talking about a seat on the council is not a gift given lightly to commoners like her, or how a Cliffside interloper shouldn't even have a say in Sweetwater politics! But without his companion and enabler, he seems a bit defeated, milling around the farther reaches edges of the courtyard and watching helplessly as servants dart about--it's almost like they're avoiding him!
The large Skunk looks up at the sound of Hartford inviting him in, offering only a pained smile and a shake of the head. If pressed, he could find an excuse, but most of all he was self-conscious around this crowd, almost to a one young, slender, and generally pleasant to the eyes...
And then--the shouts of distress! As if without thinking--in fact, almost certainly without thinking, Brutus shucks his robe and hikes up his trouser-legs as he rumbles towards the pool as fast as his thick legs will thunder. With a relative grace for someone of his bulk, the giant skunk pitches himself into the water with a sizable sploosh, bobbing up to find...that Hartford already saved the poor Being and he is now stuck, half-naked, in public. His face burns with shame as he tries to sink and skulk off discreetly, but his...bouyancy makes that rather impossible.
Cassidy isn't a bad swimmer, by any means, but... She's no expert. And while Bazalt's issue has her concerned, she's happy to stay back and let Cirra handle it, trying to keep up her relaxed appearance as she floats along lazily in the water. "You okay there?" she asks idly, keeping her voice level.
Sil looks between Rokarion and Zuri as the jasmine speaks. "It's true! An adventurer that doesn't know how to swim is asking for trouble! Would you like to come join our conversation?" She asks, flashing a kind smile.
"Finding the food to your liking, cousin-" Comes a voice from behind Brutus just as her tears off towards the pool. Another skunk, dressed in a two piece bathing suit. She was very much his opposite, though, in figure, and she stands there looking kind of dumbstruck. "And here I was about to suggest you try the pool! I guess I don't need to, now," she says, nearly doubling over with laughter.
Cassidy is once again pulled under the water by the diving skunk, sputtering for a moment as she resurfaces. Well... No pool party would be complete with out cannonballs. She wipes the water from her face, taking up a spot next to Natska again.
