One day we'll reach to emotions: unexplored, unprecedented

[matchbreaker]

[ Sometime shortly after the trial small notes will be folded underneath the doors of everyone still alive, and also posted to the staircase leading up to the upper floors. Not many of you have probably seen Elda's penmanship yet unless you checked that Penmanship check a while back, but it's impossibly impeccable fancy cursive script, to match with her old timey appearance. ... She also writes a lot more proper than she talks. ]

To My Fellows,

The half of you who didn't assist me in this are cordially invited to a celebration of our continued living, and to the memories of those who aren't. We are a mismatched group,
but it has become increasingly clear that we are together in this. Do not allow yourself to be alone.

We will be congregating in the ballroom for the rest of the night.

Better chefs than I will be providing food.

Sincerely,
Elda Marker

[ she's being somewhat facetious about half the group, but the fact does remain that she got more offers than she expected, when she set out to do this. She had expected that Sayaka would help, and indeed both her and Alex provide cookies and curry for the tables. Elda herself sets up the tables, dotting one longer central one made of smaller ones in the ballroom for things to sit on. The bulk of the food's provided by Tarrlok of all people, Chinese food by any other name. Susan, bless her, provides alcohol. Hibki, once she was clean, decided to run backup on preparing the food.

And then perhaps fittingly, Aligula provided the decorations. Steamers line the room, and little cut outs hang around. At Elda's instruction, it's a mix of cats, snakes, and bats. The majority of them have little faces on them. And finally, as and afterthought more than anything else, Elda makes some tea.

... Said tea is black tea and is impossibly dark and bitter because she can't taste it, but maybe that's what you want on a night like this. Who knows. ]

Comments

[bloodbiter]

I suppose I feel like there must be something I could do to fix this, something obvious that I am missing. I dislike accepting that we cannot change our situation, for now.

[Dislikes: complacency.]

I imagine that is the same for you as well. It is an easy feeling to fall prey to.

[sleepytimegal]

Super easy. ...But it doesn't mean I'm gonna stop fighting back. Even if fighting back is just...trying to not break down crying ever day.

[bloodbiter]

[It brings a small smile, even if it's a bit halfhearted.]

That is a good way to think of it. I certainly agree. And... I hope those efforts go rewarded soon, for all of us.

[sleepytimegal]

...Same.

[ She lets out a sigh and rolls one of her shoulders back; it's starting to get stiff. ]

So...what're you up to for the rest of the night?

[bloodbiter]

[She has to think about it. What does she want to do...?]

Quite honestly, I don’t often indulge either here or back in my home, but - I might partake in a glass of wine and retire to my chambers early.

[sleepytimegal]

That is the fairest thing I've ever heard. ...Ask Rideaux if you need like...wine help, guy knows his stuff.

[bloodbiter]

Does he? [A pause, and a tilt of her head.] I would not have guessed.

I do have some knowledge of it, though. My father enjoyed it from time to time.

[sleepytimegal]

He gave me a crash course. [ ...It's a nice memory, honestly. We all need nice memories, today. ] If you got a good idea of what to, though, that's good enough. What...kinds did he drink? I like beer better, but...

[bloodbiter]

[She tilts her head, as though she has to think about it.]

His favorite is mead, I believe. I think he enjoys spiced wine as well... I am not certain. I just know I've seen him partake at feasts and the like.

[A small smile, though.]

We must have different tastes. Ale has always tasted very strange to me. Perhaps they make it in a more palatable way in your time, however.

[sleepytimegal]

I don't know a lot about past alcohol, but...you know, I bet so. A lot's changed. Uh... Maybe you'd like champagne, if we've got any. That stuff's supposed to be bubbly and...sweet.

[bloodbiter]

I will have to try it, then.

[A pause.]

Would you like to join me?

[sleepytimegal]

Oh, uh...

...You know what? Sure. Why not?

[bloodbiter]

[She gives a nod, and stands.]

Whenever you are ready, then.

[sleepytimegal]

Lead the way, Adelina.

[bloodbiter]

[And lead the way she does! To the bar they go.]

Have you sampled anything in there yet?

[sleepytimegal]

Uhh, just the beer. That's what I'm used to drinking. Cheap and easier to get your hands on, where I'm from.

[bloodbiter]

Is it mostly good quality? What they are offering here, that is.

[sleepytimegal]

It's pretty good, yeah. Some of it's better than the stuff I could get back home.

[bloodbiter]

Because of the merchants that were available in your home, or because of the cost?

[But, look! Here they are at the bar.]

[sleepytimegal]

Sort of both? Really it was 'cause I'd drink whatever I could get my hands on. It's...not really legal for people our age to drink in my time.

[bloodbiter]

...Oh.

[There’s some light disapproval in her voice, even if she tries to reign it in.]

Do many people in your home break this rule? It seems a bit nonsensical, I suppose.

[sleepytimegal]

[ Sorry, Adelina, you're friends with a lawbreaker!!!! ]

A lot. Sooo many people I know. I think it's harder to find someone who doesn't underage drink.

[bloodbiter]

I will admit I don’t understand the rationale behind the rule, particularly if it isn’t well followed, but... Is it not a risk to do so? What is the typical punishment for such a thing?

[sleepytimegal]

Mmm depends on the cops? Most of the ones in my town were pretty lenient...but some can be real hardasses. As long as you're not driving or doing something dangerous, I don't see what the issue is.

[bloodbiter]

I don't see the point of such a law, either. Do you know the reason it came into existence?