Happy Birthday, Ryoji

[puppy_lancer]

Characters: You know the drill. Lancer puppy_lancer, Ryoji notsogrimreaper, the people they invited between the two of them, and everybody else who just happens to stumble into the party.
Setting: Floor 25, November 17, morning-evening
Format: Open, anything goes
Summary: It's Ryoji's birthday, so Lancer is throwing him a big party. Anyone is welcome in! (And nobody is gonna kick out those who aren't so welcome)
Warnings: None for now

[It's been a long time since Lancer had thrown any parties. Therefore, he's making this bigger and grander than the last two parties he's thrown. It's a good way for him to distract himself from all the emotional turmoil that had popped up during the battle with Sephiroth, if anything.]

[There's two tables laden with food over at one side of the floor. The centerpiece for that is a big double-tier cake with "HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYOJI" written over the side of the bottom layer. The top layer is little more than a glorified candle holder, as several handfuls of candles have been jammed all over that second layer.]

[Over on the other side, there was a variety of party games. They're all old favorites like pin the tail on the piggy (pinning spiraling paper tails onto a "pig" with Ganon's face), apple bobbing (various fruits in a water-filled wooden barrel), and everyone's favorite--the pinata (a scarecrow with a berry-filled paper mache head supposed to represent Jason).]

[In the center of the floor, there is a stage nailed together from wooden boards. A ways behind that, a pile of wood stacks into a bonfire pyre. A turnip lantern leers at the party goers from one corner of the stage.]

[For decorations, there are black feathers and crude little paper doll cutouts resembling angels scattered around on the ground or in the corners of the dining tables. There are also a few more turnip lanterns.]

[And of course, Lancer, like a good host, stands on the stage, dressed like a hobby horse, waiting for people to show up. He's feeling pretty relaxed, if only because the major unwanted guest, Sephiroth, was locked up and in no danger of crashing this party.]

Comments

[puppy_lancer]

Hey.

[Lancer waves at Lancelot, pulling his mask off to show his face.]

You showed up. Welcome!

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[No mask could really ever hope to conceal Cu Chulainn. Lancelot favors the Lancer with a neutral bow of his head.]
Indeed. I have done. My Master is soon to follow.
You have our Thanks for your invitation.

And what are you meant to be then, Cu Chulainn?

[puppy_lancer]

Great! I'll be glad to see Kariya.

[He points at his skull mask.]

Ah, this? This is a traditional costume from my place. This is the guy who led all the trick-or-treaters around on their revels.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

I see. In my time, and my place, you would be more taken for the Mari Lwyd (the Grey Mare)-- but you would be out of place, as it only walks at midwinter, and it is early yet for that.

You will more glad to see Kariya than you know, when he does arrive.
[Lancelot always thaws slightly at mention of his Master, and he allows a small, secretive smile.]

[puppy_lancer]

[He scratches his head.]

Really? Does he have a present for me or something? Or does he have some sort of good news?

[chevalier_mal_fet]

He is Healed, Cu Chulainn.
Since you are a friend to him, it may be a gift to your heart to know this.
[Lancelot would like just a few minutes of your Time to Talk to you about his Master.]

[puppy_lancer]

...Really? That's awesome!

[His grin is so wide it threatens to split his face in two.]

How'd it happen? At this rate, I'm gonna have to throw him a party to celebrate him getting well!

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[The reaction is gratifying, and puts him in a more favorable frame of mind. He gives the Lancer a tolerant smile.]
I am pleased to bring you such glad news-- but I regret I cannot say precisely how the thing came about. I only know that my Master was gravely ill, and that I was-- unable to be of help to him, as I was indisposed. [He refuses to tell Cu Chulainn that he died in a Fall down the Stairs.]
My Master sought out a Healer and was tended to by one he refers to as an Elemental Magic User, though he does not know the man's name.

I do seek him, in order that I might thank him for his Deed, but I have not found him yet.

[puppy_lancer]

Tell me when you find him. I'll go thank him too.

Must have been a nice surprise for you after you finished being indisposed.

[He snickers as he thinks of the expression Lancelot might have had on his face.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot raises a brow in reply. As far as he is aware, no one save his Master knows of the manner of his Death. He decides to allow the laughter to pass. Cu Chulainn can be-- odd, at times.]

It was indeed. I was-- glad to see him Whole once more. My Master appears now as he did before acquiring his Familiars for the War. He is much changed.

But I do thank you for your Well Wishes, CuChulainn.

[puppy_lancer]

[Indeed, Lancer doesn't know about Lancelot's death. In his mind, he has an image of Lancelot getting done with killing a monster, and then turning around to see a completely healed Kariya.]

Before he got the familiars...

[He scratches hie head.]

You mean he doesn't have any scars anymore?

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot wishes dearly that this version of events was accurate. As it is, he nods in affirmation.]

Nay, he does not. He has no Scars, and once again has the proper number of Limbs.
It is gladdening to see him Whole-- as even I have never Known him.

[puppy_lancer]

[He tries to envision the way Kariya would look now.]

I don't think I've ever seen him before he got his worms either. Would I even recognize him?

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot tilts his head, with a touch of amusement, as he considers an answer.]

Ah-- you might, at that. He of the same build, after all-- only his Hair is dark, as are his eyes.
And, of course, his Posture differs wildly from your knowledge-- but none of this could fool Cu Chulainn, surely.

[puppy_lancer]

How about I sniff out his scent. That wouldn't change because he was healed, right?

[chevalier_mal_fet]

I do not know that you could, Cu Chulainn, as his scent differs, now that the Worms have left him.
Still, it would not go amiss to see you attempt it.

[puppy_lancer]

I've got a pretty good nose.

[He had honed it during his time acting as a Hound.]

I can just follow the scents on the air.

[Let's see...what did Kariya usually smell like?]

[Decay. And blood. And maybe grime. Scents made by the worms had, to a point, overwhelmed his natural scents. However, Lancer thinks that with some focus, he can still trace that natural scent.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

Yes, I have Heard as much.
[Is Lancelot teasing Cu Chulainn? Such a thing seems most unlikely...]

I look forward to a Demonstration of this Ability.

[puppy_lancer]

What, you want me to find Kariya for you right now? I can do that. Just give me some time.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot seems fondly amused, yet respectful all at once.]

You have it. I am sure my Master will enjoy being found in such a manner.
God Speed, Cu Chulainn.

I think we're about done here?

[puppy_lancer]

[He gives Lancelot a thumbs up and runs off, sniffing to see if he can find Kariya's scent.]

Indeed we are! ;3

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Meanwhile, Lancelot chuckles quietly into his cup.]