towerofanimus | Happy Birthday, Ryoji

Characters: You know the drill. Lancer

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.]

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[Diarmuid does not answer right away. Instead, his eyes remain fixed on the floor in front of him as he thinks though Lancelot's words. When he finally does speak, his voice is soft, but much more even than it has been.]

Do not regret your harsh words. It was not you who misspoke, but I who twisted your words. I am trying so hard to find some good in what has happened that I am lashing out at those who question me. I...don't know what I am doing. I have tried so hard to be a knight and keep to my honor and all I have done is fail. I try to do something...differently...and I still fail. It grows hard to see the light sometimes.

[He sighs and then falls silent again, hand pressed to his forehead as if it might help him sort out his thoughts. After a moment, he shakes his head and lets his hand drop. At long last, his eyes raise to meet Lancelot's again.]

But this is no fight I have not been fighting since I arrived here, and I suspect I will be fighting it until we leave here. I will think on what you have said. Thank you, for taking the time to speak with this fool. It is more than I deserve.

[For a moment, an uncertain look enters Diarmuid's eyes. It is obvious he it trying to decide if he should ask what it is he is thinking about. Finally, worry wins out over caution and he speaks again.]

I know I don't really have the right to ask after what I have said, but how is Kariya doing? When I last spoke to him he...was not well...

[Raving. The man had been raving, but Diarmuid cannot bring himself to say it. It had been unreal enough to witness it over the Network, but to mention it out loud will make it real in a way he just cannot handle yet.]

I neither Regret your Words nor Mine.
But though I am not one to ask where light may be found, I do think it must be more than yearned for, that it must be sought after, quested for. Such a quest never truly has an end, for the Prize is ever just out of reach of possession.
[Lancelot's long, dark hair slides over his shoulders as he bows his head-- as if there is some unconscious reverence for the very idea.
When he takes his hand from the Lancer's shoulder, when he raises his face to the man, he is calm and matter-of-fact.]

You are no Fool, Diarmuid ua Duibhine. Or I would not Speak so with you. You are only What you are. Nothing less nor more. This is True of many here, especially Servants, for we exist in our essential Moments.
You have Wisdom of your own, and I do not seek so much to Teach you as to remind you of it.

[At the mention of his Master, however halting, Lancelot is seen to actually smile, however slightly.
As to my Master, you have the Right, because I grant it to you-- and because you have done my Master great Service in the past and neither he nor I have forgotten this.
But indeed, he was most unwell-- It had been a painful time, especially on the heels of his own Madness-- itself brought on by Kariya's Pain and Rage-- and a Shadow crosses Lancelot's face.]
I feared for him. There was little enough I could do, save serve as Nursemaid. But in time, he came back to himself, and I was relieved that he had not pulled me down into the void of his thoughts with him.

But much has passed since that day between he and I-- and here in this Place, also.

Should you see my Master here, the sight will surely gladden your Heart. For he is Healed-- both in Body and Mind, and suffers no longer from his Afflictions. He is as I have never known him, as he Lived before the War.
[Lancelot seems, for Lancelot, positively thrilled by this News.]

Edited 2013-12-13 05:21 (UTC)

You always have an open invitation to remind me whenever you feel the need, Sir Lancelot. Even if I may not listen as well as I should.

[And Diarmuid leaves the discussion at that feeling as if all that can be said has been. Besides, little can compete for attention with what Lancelot says next. At first, Diarmuid braces himself for bad news as the words the other servant speaks are dire and seem to confirm his own fears after speaking to Kariya. However, it looks like not all hope is lost.

For once...]

Can it be true?

[His eyes grow wide in amazement. Even as he asks the question, he knows it must be true. Lancelot would not lie or joke about such a thing.]

I did not think it possible. Kariya did not think it possible either! How can it be? Who has done this great thing for him? They should be rewarded many times over for their actions!

[Pleased with the other Servant's reaction, Lancelot smilingly shakes his head.]
Indeed, I do not know. Nor does my Master, for it was done when he was very weak. For myself, I was-- ~~dead~~ indisposed at the Time and could not aid nor Guard him.

Since my Return I have Searched for this Healer. I only know that he uses Elemental Magics.
Know you of such a one, Diarmuid ua Duibhine?

[Diarmuid frowns slightly at Lancelot's usage of the word 'indisposed' because he knows that nothing short of death would keep Lancelot from protecting Kariya. It doesn't take much for him to connect the dots. However, he doesn't press the point. After all, not long ago, he died to protect his master as well.]

That is unfortunate to hear. You really know no more than it is a he and that he used Elemental Magics?

[He takes a moment to try and think of anyone he knows who fits that description. Unfortunately, the only dedicated healer Diarmuid has known in the Tower was Raphael and the angel had been sent home.]

I wish I could help, but I don't know anyone like that. However, you know that I will keep my eyes and ears open now. Hopefully, soon he will be found.

Aye, I know that you will do so, Diarmuid ua Duibhne-- and for this I thank you.
Alas, that he is a user of Elemental Magics is indeed all I know. Though perhaps you could ask my Master yourself, as he is here among the gathered.
[Lancelot, smiling very slightly, gives a nod around to the assembled.]
To whom you should likely return, as you are no doubt in demand.

As a curiosity, if nothing else.
[Wonder of wonders, a rare and extremely dry-witted joke.]

Edited 2014-01-07 06:56 (UTC)

[Diarmuid frowns slightly at the joke, though there is good humor in his eyes as he pulls on one of his ears.]

I cannot argue with that. I am quite the curiosity right now. I just hope that I don't draw too much attention from Ryoji. It's his party after all.

[He bows to Lancelot.]

If I have the chance, I will be sure to speak to him. If nothing else to give him my congratulations on his healing.

Please enjoy the rest of the party.

[Diarmuid receives a bow in return, and a thoughtful glance at the mention of Ryoji's name-- which swiftly becomes a slight smile.]

Such Curses from the Fae are temporary things, made for Sport as well as Warning-- I have no doubt you will soon be restored to yourself, Diarmuid us Duibhne. It would be a pity indeed to mar your beauty Forever.
[Tongue-in-cheek flirtation accomplished, Lancelot turns to go.]

As you say, I will endeavor to enjoy myself. I do Thank you for your hospitality and your conversation both.

Happy Birthday, Ryoji

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Ancient Tag: Feel Free to Ignore If You Wish! (WOW SUCH BRUTALITY)

LOL!

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