Cometh the Big Crying Wheel

[initiates]

Date & Time: Sept 15th
Location: A refurbished castle on the outskirts of Exsilium.
Characters: Anyone at the party!
Summary: Vanadi hosts a party that goes very poorly.
Warnings: Violence, probably! Let a mod know if we should update this.


It’s a lovely night for a party!

The venue at the outskirts of town is, unfortunately, a bit drafty — and actually rather sparsely furnished, as well. In fact, party goers are encouraged to mingle, drink, and enjoy themselves in the courtyard, as the castle itself wasn’t able to be renovated in time, and has proven to be a little bit architecturally unsound. Any explorative guests might find a small hail of dust and pebbles on their heads if they venture too far in — and who knows what else, if they continue on.

But the drinks and snacks both are plentiful and delicious, and the large canvas set up from castle wall to castle wall keeps off the sprinkling rain. The weather could even be described as warmish and pleasant, if one were feeling generous. A group of Exiles plays classic instruments in one corner of the courtyard, having been paid enough to even smile at any Transports that wander near.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a good night. Until about 10 PM, that is. Come 10 PM, the Misery rolls into town, tearing down the canvas, nullifying powers, and crying corrosive blood everywhere. That’s the cue for all hell to break loose, as the final wave of mind-controlled characters snag their victims and make for the hills — or at least for the UE. The mind-controlled characters will also have the backup of a squadron of 20 of the Masked, the UE's special ops force. The Masked's main goal is to grab those on their list and get away, but they're certainly not above shooting to kill at anyone that gets in their way. They're also highly trained in hand-to-hand combat and physically enhanced by their suits, so they're a good bunch to try to avoid.

But do have a wonderful time until then, won’t you?

Comments

[velveteened]

( it's tempting to say "no" again, but he doesn't expect gilbert to believe that.

so, doesn't answer at all. )

[retraced]

[He stays silent as well, just to give Oz another chance to answer before he speaks again. It hadn't been so long that they'd been on opposite ends of this conversation. Gilbert had told Oz all of the most important things on his mind, but the other things - the ones that he couldn't stand to say out loud - he'd kept to himself.]

I see.

[He reaches out again, rests a hand on Oz's shoulder.]

Even though you can't tell me now, take the time to think about it, and then later, when it becomes something that I need to know, tell me at that time. Otherwise, I...I really will just be useless to you.

[velveteened]

( the parallel doesn't occur to him until gil starts to answer; and both his sentiments and touch are surprising when oz had been expecting even more cold withdrawal instead.

unexpected enough that it's almost hard to take and needs a long moment, all questioning expression and wide eyes, to sink in. )

I will. ( with more certainty: ) I will, Gil.

( he's been asked to make a lot of these lately, which is probably why it's so easy for him to conclude the way he does. )

I promise.

[retraced]

[His reaction is a little surprising, but promising. Whatever he's keeping to himself, Gilbert is certain he'd be honest if it was something he absolutely needed to know. For now, he'll simply help carry Oz's burden by reminding him that he's always here to take it from him, in small or large amounts.

He drops his hand back to his side.]

Then it's fine.

[He almost - almost sounds like he genuinely means it.]

[velveteened]

( it's a rare moment in all these weeks, before and after returning, to feel a real sense of reassurance like this. the one that'd brought him from reveil had been short-lived upon further examination of the situation and leo's warnings, though it's still meaningful; but with all of his fears about the strange happenings, with the things kano (not kano, somehow) had said, with renewed grief both of home and here, it's all been a little — much.

his returning smile is, therefore, immeasurably fond. )

[retraced]

[He smiles in return, but it's a short lived one. They've been taking a while now, and all around them more people are pushing by going one way or another. Gilbert almost forgot about them entirely in the sudden seriousness of the conversation.]

Ah...I should get back to patrolling the crowd.

[He starts to walk away, but then turns to glance back one last time.]

Don't get too far out of my sight, okay?

[velveteened]

( he literally waves gilbert off. )

I won't, don't worry! I'll see you soon.

[retraced]

[parting song plays in the background]

All right. Have fun.

[Enough fun for the both of them.]