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expiationlogs2024-12-15 05:50 pm
feintofhart) wrote in expiationlogs2024-12-15 05:50 pm
chestnuts roasting over an open fire...
Who: YOU!!!
Where: Claude's Apothecary (also known as: his house)
What: Claude and Ethlyn decide to host a Christmas party -- they may not be familiar with Christmas, but when in Rome! There will be drinking, dancing, and much revelry, and it's open underneath the guise of a combo grand opening, meaning that it's free for all and sundry to attend!
Warnings: Probably some underage drinking Claude will make no effort to curb, but that's about it.
Welcome, one and all to the Apothecary's grand opening celebration -- which just so happens to coincide with winter festivities! Despite the fact that neither Claude nor Ethlyn have any familiarity with Christmas whatsoever, they've decided to put together a party anyway, and what a party it is! At the front of the room, Claude and Root have put together an assortment of festive outfits for people to wear: all manner of ridiculous Christmas sweaters from Root, and from Claude, an assortment of reindeer horns and Santa hats if you choose to get as decked out as he is.
Inside, all breakables and valuables have been safely tucked away and have been replaced by all manner of decorations: glittering lights, bristly boughs, a Christmas tree and, of course, an assortment of mistletoe hanging over everyone's heads, ready to ensnare an unlikely couple or two in a requisite smooch. The entire place is, in fact, absolutely covered in festive greenery, courtesy of Kurama -- a little overkill, maybe, but they can't help themselves. Even if you duck past the mistletoe, it may have a way of finding you anyway; Kurama has a mischievous streak, and the ability to grow unlimited amounts of mistletoe to dog your steps.
Every surface seems absolutely covered in anything you might want from a feast, from unctious meats still dripping in their own fats to enormous platters of roasted vegetables and freshly prepared rolls and flatbreads to trays filled with biscuits and pies glittering with sugar. Also available for everyone's consumption - and Claude's not checking IDs as long as the kids aren't being too foolhardy - is a seemingly endless supply of libations, from steaming jugs of mulled wine to mugs filled with buttered rum to an open container of punch ready for the spiking. In the background are a few local musicians that Claude hired to play for them, though the stage is set for any tipsy guests to try their hand at entertaining the crowd.
On a table at the back are wrapped presents that are ready for the taking for anyone who wins at an assortment of games - with anything inside ranging from the Apothecary's own wares of teas and tinctures to pantry items from local vendors to a cute cuddly stuffed animal or two - if you choose to partake. Games of Questions and Commands (essentially Truth or Dare), Flapdragon (a game in which you must drain your glass to see what prize you win at the bottom) to card and board games are available for people to compete at. Everyone loves a good parlor game. Or, for those with a bolder constitution, Snapdragon is available outside, in which people set shallow dishes of brandy and dried fruits out, set it aflame, and ask people to go bobbing for the fruit at deadly risk of losing their lashes and brows. Spectating the whole scene is Claude's wyvern, who guests are welcome to go out and greet anytime they like.
Finally, for those more retiring in nature, and exclusively Claude's closest friends: he will allow some into his private quarters to have a little rest from all the fuss and noise. It's a good place for quiet conversation if you can hack it, or even to nap off the worst of the booze. For anyone else who wants some peace and quiet, you'll have to settle for the employee break room, a modestly undecorated place with a supply of caffeinated beverages and flat surfaces to rest upon.
Feel free to make up your own prompts and just use this as a fun holiday space for gift exchanges and drunken festivities! Happy holidays, Expiation!
Where: Claude's Apothecary (also known as: his house)
What: Claude and Ethlyn decide to host a Christmas party -- they may not be familiar with Christmas, but when in Rome! There will be drinking, dancing, and much revelry, and it's open underneath the guise of a combo grand opening, meaning that it's free for all and sundry to attend!
Warnings: Probably some underage drinking Claude will make no effort to curb, but that's about it.
Welcome, one and all to the Apothecary's grand opening celebration -- which just so happens to coincide with winter festivities! Despite the fact that neither Claude nor Ethlyn have any familiarity with Christmas whatsoever, they've decided to put together a party anyway, and what a party it is! At the front of the room, Claude and Root have put together an assortment of festive outfits for people to wear: all manner of ridiculous Christmas sweaters from Root, and from Claude, an assortment of reindeer horns and Santa hats if you choose to get as decked out as he is.
Inside, all breakables and valuables have been safely tucked away and have been replaced by all manner of decorations: glittering lights, bristly boughs, a Christmas tree and, of course, an assortment of mistletoe hanging over everyone's heads, ready to ensnare an unlikely couple or two in a requisite smooch. The entire place is, in fact, absolutely covered in festive greenery, courtesy of Kurama -- a little overkill, maybe, but they can't help themselves. Even if you duck past the mistletoe, it may have a way of finding you anyway; Kurama has a mischievous streak, and the ability to grow unlimited amounts of mistletoe to dog your steps.
Every surface seems absolutely covered in anything you might want from a feast, from unctious meats still dripping in their own fats to enormous platters of roasted vegetables and freshly prepared rolls and flatbreads to trays filled with biscuits and pies glittering with sugar. Also available for everyone's consumption - and Claude's not checking IDs as long as the kids aren't being too foolhardy - is a seemingly endless supply of libations, from steaming jugs of mulled wine to mugs filled with buttered rum to an open container of punch ready for the spiking. In the background are a few local musicians that Claude hired to play for them, though the stage is set for any tipsy guests to try their hand at entertaining the crowd.
On a table at the back are wrapped presents that are ready for the taking for anyone who wins at an assortment of games - with anything inside ranging from the Apothecary's own wares of teas and tinctures to pantry items from local vendors to a cute cuddly stuffed animal or two - if you choose to partake. Games of Questions and Commands (essentially Truth or Dare), Flapdragon (a game in which you must drain your glass to see what prize you win at the bottom) to card and board games are available for people to compete at. Everyone loves a good parlor game. Or, for those with a bolder constitution, Snapdragon is available outside, in which people set shallow dishes of brandy and dried fruits out, set it aflame, and ask people to go bobbing for the fruit at deadly risk of losing their lashes and brows. Spectating the whole scene is Claude's wyvern, who guests are welcome to go out and greet anytime they like.
Finally, for those more retiring in nature, and exclusively Claude's closest friends: he will allow some into his private quarters to have a little rest from all the fuss and noise. It's a good place for quiet conversation if you can hack it, or even to nap off the worst of the booze. For anyone else who wants some peace and quiet, you'll have to settle for the employee break room, a modestly undecorated place with a supply of caffeinated beverages and flat surfaces to rest upon.
Feel free to make up your own prompts and just use this as a fun holiday space for gift exchanges and drunken festivities! Happy holidays, Expiation!
no subject
Thankfully it's not a very serious thought, since Ange's affection for Claude would stop her before it'd ever get to that point. Instead she's just left stewing in her own embarrassment as she listens to him, letting out a huge huff when he says that last part. ]
Absolutely not. I'm trying to solve the mystery of this place! I don't have time for-- for--!! [ Is it surprising she can't even say the word when she's giving him this embarrassed look in the first place.. ] For canoodling!
[ Nailed it.
Sounding completely normal about this. ]
no subject
Other people are capable of multitasking that sort of thing, you know. Canoodling and saving the world, one step at a time.
[ He looks out at the party before them -- true to form, there's canoodling aplenty, people cheerful to smooch underneath the mistletoe and doubtlessly sneak off to play a little more after the fact. There's an ease to his movements even while Ange is getting all worked up, limbs loose and smile wide. It's a testament to how comfortable he feels with Ange that he freely says, ] Don't get so worked up about it. It's not a big deal. I haven't either. [ He winks at her, quick as anything. ] Don't tell my customers, though. Their kindled hope keeps my business running.
[ Is that... is that worse than just sleeping with your customers??? ]
no subject
[ Hold on.
It's not even Claude's shady business practices that are throwing Ange off here. She's kind of used to it, considering the occupations of her mother's side of the family, which are way worse than anything Claude is suggesting over here.
No, it's the information that comes before it. Later Ange may realize that's not just something that Claude tells anyone, but any realization of the trust or familiarity between them has to come after her initial surprise about the fact itself. ]
What do you mean? [ There's, in fact, a subtle implied show of respect for Claude and his secrets here that Ange lowers her volume to a hissed whisper, despite the fact she clearly looks pretty worked up. Even now. ] You haven't? Ever?
[ This is baffling to her. Ange's facial expression is saying as much.
She was totally assuming Claude was going around having sex with everyone... Was she this wrong? ]
no subject
[ He was trying to be, though he's not entirely aware of it, a cool older brother. He's neither been a cool older brother nor had one in his life, but Ange is just young enough for him to see her as something of a younger sister, and he attempts to be a non-judgmental, guiding figure in her life.
Only for her to judge him right back! Which is unfathomably rude! He crosses his arms in a huff, evidently more offended by Ange's attitude than he is shamed by his own inexperience. ]
Why is that so strange to you? It's not as though I've ever had the time.
[ He's had the time here, granted. He just... hasn't wanted to. ]
no subject
[ Ange can't for sure tell how much time he may or may not have had back home, sure, but.. they have so much time in this place. Even if some things have to be done, she's sure Claude has had spare time. Enough so that he could have been canoodling with just about every person he'd want. ]
And you seem like you're an attractive guy to most people. [ She's only really saying most, because.. well, who would Ange be to understand that sort of attraction, really. If this place has proven anything to her, it's that she just doesn't know.. ] So what is the real reason you haven't, huh? I bet people are throwing themselves at your feet all the time!
no subject
Though... Ange does at least admit that others find him attractive, which is nice. He doesn't need to hear it - he knows that he's good-looking in that very irritating way that good-looking people do - but it doesn't mean he doesn't still like it. He huffs, crossing his arms and leaning against the table, looking out at the crowd. ]
I haven't liked anyone enough, [ he says with a shrug. ] Or if anyone had potential, they have a partner already -- and Claude von Riegan doesn't share!
[ He says it lightly, like it's a joke, but that's the truth of the matter for Claude. He understands polygamy as much as anyone else (more than anyone else, really), but for himself? He's a one-partner kind of guy. ]
There's no reason to go around kissing everyone just for the sake of it, you know! [ He wags a finger for dramatic effect. ] That's what I meant when I told you that there's nothing wrong with getting a late start.
[ He's giving a little bit away when he says sweep them off their feet, admittedly -- he's a romantic, even if he's slow to warm to people. ]
no subject
She's thinking over here.
She's thinking so hard, in fact. Because she does think what Claude says is pretty valid, but that's mostly since she's viewing it from her own point of view, as someone who thinks there sure is a whole lot more important than kissing. But Claude is so-- He's so Claude, surely he would be able to kiss someone and plot his secret schemes at the same time. She refuses to believe that is what is holding him back.
So is it really just that he hasn't liked anyone? But..
There are so many gears turning in Ange's mind right now. It's even visible on her face with the way she stares at Claude. She squints like she's scrutinizing him. Calmer than a moment ago, but perhaps all the more dangerous for it. ]
But everyone else here just starts hooking up with the first person they see. I thought that's what people do.
[ Yet Claude is acting like it isn't. And he's practically the only person telling her this, so what does that mean? Is it saying something about the people here or something about him? She isn't sure. ]
no subject
[ Does he have to give Ange the talk? He didn't think he had to give Ange the talk, but he also didn't think the talk would ever consist of someone with a more than ample base of knowledge about the ins and outs of sex and the eagerness with which people chase after sexual gratification, but on the idea of romance. She must really be sheltered.
Or the exact opposite, he supposes, knowing he'd grown up with his parents' lofty love story, of poetry and books and war-torn lovers, of flowers and courtly gestures despite the nature of the court that he himself had been raised with. ]
I mean, yes, that is what people do. That was one of my old classmates' signature, after all. But that doesn't mean it's the path all of us tread!
[ Has Ange been holding herself back because of this expectation? Claude knows that he would, if that had been his mindset. He's not the sort to leap into bed with the first person he sees. What if they have a knife?! ]
At least back home, you're expected to at least court the one you have your eye on, unless it's an arranged marriage. You have to woo them! There's gifts, and poetry, and outings to the market, and -- the romance of it all! Sex is just a small piece of that puzzle.
[ Okay, okay, so his parents probably hopped into bed immediately. That doesn't matter. The thing that matters is that the wooing has to come eventually, no matter the order! ]
no subject
Well, that's clearly not how they do things here. [ As she's sure Claude has also already noted. Especially when he's an observant guy. Oh, to be an observant guy in a world full of people who would rather talk about sex than anything important.. A true curse, if you'd ask Ange.
But she's definitely not sure how to feel about Claude's idea of romance either. That all seems a little.. excessive? Poetry? Writing a poem? About someone else?
That's a different kind of hell altogether.
But he seems to be speaking of it with such passion that Ange narrows her eyes, giving him a suspicious look as she asks: ] Have you ever written a poem to court someone?
[ Is that it? Is Claude maybe not having sex all over the place, but instead throwing out poems like candy?? ]
no subject
[ He says it with the sort of pleasantness that another would use to discuss the weather. If it is to be a political wedding, he thinks, there's no reason for himself or for the woman he marries to hold themselves back from love, provided they practice discretion in the process. ]
Maybe I would, with the appropriate inspiration! But just because you're not seeing it doesn't mean that romance isn't happening. They're just a little more subtle than the...
[ He considers his words. ]
Horny toads out there.
no subject
Which means that he is the type that would write one. God, Ange doesn't even know how to deal with that thought. It's something she might have to process sometime after this party, considering the entire party is already overwhelming enough to have to consider the mental image of Claude writing some sort of sappy poem about a lady's eyes or something. Ugh. Gross!!! Why is Claude one of the smartest people she knows, yet also one of the most embarrassing?
If she looks like she's pouting at all, it's entirely because she's desperately trying to suppress all those mental images right now. Even though she instead speaks up about-- ]
Like who, Claude? Since apparently you've got your eyes all on it.