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

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Sir Lancelot, Berserker, is on but one side. The side of his Master, which is the same as the side of himself. More than most, he Understands that Sephiroth is what he Is. A Made Thing-- and a Mad Thing. For he himself is both the same. Just as he himself is more terribly Powerful than any in this Place save his Master know.

Lancelot has gone Mad here, though briefly-- and only partially. He had clung to Sanity for his Master's sake as much as his own. But what of these Righteous Judges here gathered? What if he should lose himself fully? Would they foolishly seek his seek his Punishment and Death? Would they strip his Master of his Sword and Shield?

He knows not what Sephiroth will do when he Returns. But he knows that Berserker would bring unrepentant Fire and Slaughter and rampant Wrath enough to cleanse this Place of the Just and Unjust both.

The Child who is also Sephiroth stands, as he does, apart from the crowd. His thoughts as unreadable to those present as Sir Lancelot's own. He drifts close enough for talk, but far enough for courtesy.]

Well met, Sephiroth.
How fare you?

[pinnaculum]

[Sephiroth finishes the last of his sandwich, then wipes his hand carefully on a napkin.]

I am well, Lancelot. I was invited to the party, so I thought it would be polite to attend. [He doesn't say he likes the party or is happy to attend.] I have been busy with our researches, as well as my work among the monsters.

[Since Lancelot is in the group, he feels he can speak to him about it. He doesn't bring up the recent fight, as he doesn't know Lancelot's opinions on it, judging it best to remain circumspect for now.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot nods in affirmation.]

Yes, I too felt it would be polite to attend. Though I admit I feel somewhat apart from the gathered company-- if only in terms of the prevailing Mood.

I have seen you, betimes, where our courses converge. Of late I have been much with my Master-- and in aiding our cause when needed.
Let us hope that recent events do not prove a-- setback to it.

[pinnaculum]

I am also dissatisfied with the present atmosphere.

[This is a neutral enough comments, he supposes.]

I have been busy with my research. I am pleased that you and your Master are well.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

I do thank you for my courtesy. My Master is most well.
Indeed, he has been Healed of his wounds and the affliction of his familiars by a party unknown to me.
[Lancelot's smile is subtle, but his pleasure is real enough-- until a Shadow comes over his face.]

It is my hope that recent events will not cause a setback in our efforts. A most foolhardy and pointless endeavor.
[It's plain Lancelot does not mean the Research.]