SLEEPOVER!

[murchada]

On Monday, people will be receiving a note. Either delivered in person by Cerejeira, slid under their door, or... brought via Winion Mail (thanks buddies), everyone gets the same one.

( text version )

Slumber Party Invitation

Tonight, at the Bar

Snacks and Drinks Provided

Let's all just chill and have fun, okay?

🌸

True to the invitation, the new and improved Quark's Bar on the third floor has been transformed into a sleepover space. Of course, the long couches and throw pillows already made it a good space for lounging anyway, there are more pillows and some clearly DIY blankets. Near every spot of open floor has something soft and comfy placed down.

Some drinks and snacks are already set out, naturally, plus the replicator is right there. Quark has been helping out with the catering, of course.

...There's a little more decoration than before, too. Some of the flowers from that hallway have been moved and put in the main bar area, but there's some simple paper flowers and paper star decorations around, too, just to liven the place up a little.

Comments

[stringup]

Unless you want me to get into all the difficult metaphysical stuff.

[ Do you want to hear her flex her Occult and Lore ability scores??? ]

...You were a noble before all this, right?

[markofnobility]

Well, we could absolutely have a lively religious debate if you wish!

And yes. And not just any noble. House Aegir traditionally produces the Prime Ministers of Adrestia- a position second only to the Emperor themself and who, if you pardon my bragging, is the one who truely rules the country in day to day governance. I have been preparing for that position from the day I was born.

Even before coming here that was a path denied me. So I was a solider instead. And now a god. I find myself with a body of skills with no purpose.

[stringup]

Some other time, maybe.

[ Everyone else gets to be spared a religious debate at this Totally Chill sleepover.

Once Ferdinand's hair is brushed to her satisfaction, she separates it into sections and starts braiding. ]

Have you ever...well, considered what you'd like to do if you didn't have to be prime minister?

[markofnobility]

[ didn't 'have' to be. Not didn't 'get' to be. As if the title was a yoke around his shoulders. The very concept almost makes him laugh, though he resists so not to distrub the braiding. Even the idea of ANY noble being resentful of their role was alien until a few years ago. And that was other people. Not him, not Ferdinand von Aegir]

O-oh, Sothis no- not even for a moment.

[stringup]

Not even as a flight of fancy?

[ Velvet honestly hadn't thought too much when used "have to be" over any other phrasing she could have used. It just seemed to her rather like how, once upon a time, she was the successor to the family trade. There were no "ifs" or "buts" to it back then, though in hindsight she has to wonder if it was because the risks of taking another path was simply unacceptable to her.

Well, until the issue was forced. ]

[markofnobility]

Not since I was old enough to understand my responsibilities, no. I suppose as a child I... wished to join the Mittleford Opera. But a noble's place is in enjoying a show. Maybe even being a patron to a talented younger singer. But not performance. Not being a stageman or, Goddess fortend, a diva.

[ this time he does laugh slightly, like it was at all funny]

[stringup]

[ It's moments like this that Velvet is reminded of how starkly different the nobility's lives apparently are (and, by extension, Ferdinand's). She's only ever had peeks into their world, most of which weren't exactly flattering or at their best moments. ]

...So what about you saying you always wanted to be a singer?

[markofnobility]

[ with his hair like this it's clear his blush goes right to his neck]

That was about hobbies.

[stringup]

[ She shouldn't think it's cute, but she sure does. ]

True, but it also sounded like something you would've wanted to make your calling if circumstances had been different.

[markofnobility]

[it's an alluring image, he thinks. The center of a stage, wearing another life on his shoulders. Able to sing sweet words and play at the truth only to sweep the cloak off at the climax, exposing the trick.

He nods slightly to himself]

Maybe in another life.

But liten to me, rambling again. This is a fun gathering- not for my musings!

[stringup]

What if I'll always have time for your musings?

[ She says this while she's still working on the braid. ]

Honestly, I think there are girls who'd kill to have your hair...

[markofnobility]

Well now you are just flattering me.

[ does he mean the listening or the hair? Both]

I did not intend to grow it out, but I've become a bit fond of it. Even with the extra work tending to it.

[stringup]

...I'm trying to imagine you with short hair, but it's a struggle.

[markofnobility]

Really? It was short most of my life! I suppose I should feel blessed: baldness runs on my father's side.

[stringup]

Now that is something I don't want to imagine.

[ It feels distinctly cursed. But sure enough, Velvet ties the braid into place. ]

There.

[markofnobility]

[ Ferdinand reaches back to touch the braid, pulling the heavy length over his shoulder to see better. His eyes sparkle in deight]

Oh... it's lovely!

[stringup]

I'm pleased that you like it.

[ Does she seem a little proud? You're imagining things. ]

[markofnobility]

You did a wonderful job, my dear. I would offer it in return but I fear it would end up a bird's nest.

[stringup]

Oh, there's no need to. I'm fine with leaving my hair down.

[markofnobility]

[He turns around so they can talk more properly on the lounge]

It really is quite lovely.

[stringup]

[ She carefully adjusts how she's sitting, making herself more comfortable. ]

Now you're the one flattering me, I'd say.

[markofnobility]

I am allowed.

[he glances down at her legs]

It never occurred to me that they could come off. I assume it is more comfortable for sleeping?

[stringup]

Yes. And honestly, it's too tiring to wear them all the time.

[markofnobility]

... does it hurt, wearing them?

[stringup]

It used to, at the start. [ She'll be honest about that. ] These days, it's more like...it gets uncomfortable. It's a bit like wearing armour, but that armour is now also your limb?