simplestgift: (Turn away.)
Archie Kennedy ([personal profile] simplestgift) wrote in [community profile] lucetilogs2012-12-01 11:05 am

Comfort and Joy

Who: Come one, come all! ...So long as you're appropriately dressed.
What: Luceti's second annual Christmas ball, old-world style.
When: December 1st, beginning around five in the afternoon and ending when the last person leaves.
Where: The Battle Dome.
Summary: Earth's eighteenth-century peeps are throwing one hell of a party. Again.
Rating: Well, considering no one is serving water? Probably PG-13 for alcohol consumption and the results thereof (there's coffee and hot chocolate!).

Upon stepping into the program at the Battle Dome, snow crunches beneath your feet. Great flakes of it drift silently from the dark sky above. And ahead...





The chill in the air is penetrated by the promise of warmth and light within the castle. As you approach, the music and festivities from inside reach your ears--tambourines and laughter and the clink of china dishes.

The doors open to a host of candles and a warm, old-world smell and feel. The scent of food and spices hangs in the air—mulled wine, wassail, evergreen boughs, fresh bread and roast meat--and you're only in the entryway.

Inside the dining room, cream brocades, simple but elegant, are draped over the walls. Traditional red rugs have been thrown over the floor. The single long feast table is impeccably dressed with light linen cloths and set with fine china and crystal.

The tables are lit with candles and chandeliers, giving the room a golden glow. On the tables, boughs of evergreen and holly surround the candles, and mistletoe has been hung discreetly here and there. In one corner, by a large and beautifully decorated fir tree (Buffy’s insistence), musicians are set up to play.

Things will begin with a grand dinner late in the afternoon, with a light supper (mostly consisting of cold meats, bread, and other lighter fare) at around nine o’clock. The selection of food on the tables is enormous. Most of it is meat-based and some of it is simply meat. Roast beef with mushrooms, goose in giblet gravy, herbed chicken, baked salmon, and a whole pig are among the choices. There is some hope for vegetarians, though, with spinach mixed with bread crumbs and cheese on small toasts, turnips (or rutabagas if you speak American), onions, carrots, parsnips, mashed potatoes, asparagus in breadcrumbs, and savory onion and wild mushroom pies. There is hot fresh bread and rolls with butter and heaps upon heaps of small mince pies filled with fruit, molasses, and yes, a little minced lamb. Moreover, there are fresh winter fruits like oranges and mikans and many different desserts, such as Christmas pudding, a rum chocolate dessert, and spotted dog with custard. Sit and help yourself.

Among the drinks throughout the evening are wassail, tea, hot chocolate (less sweet and much more intense than most modern characters would be used to, made with cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of cayenne pepper), coffee, brandy, wine both mulled and plain, port, sherry, and gallons of rum punch. Even though the food is fantastic, the conversation is the point of the game, and who knows who they will wind up sitting beside. At the center of each table is placed a pineapple as a sign of welcome and wishes of prosperity.

In the ballroom, there is dancing light as the music itself, with Archie Kennedy and Elizabeth Swann teaching the steps of each dance before striking up the music and letting everyone go to town with it. They are poised and elegant but relaxed and seeming to glide as they demonstrate the motions with an effortlessness that comes with years of practice. They were both raised on these dances and this sort of social function and seem completely at home here. The dancing begins after dinner with the minuets and continues after a light supper with some informal English country dances. Anyone unused to dancing like this may find that it’s harder than it looks, but when one gets used to it, it feels very graceful, beautiful, and…fun! In fact, it's perfectly acceptable to goof off during these dances, as long as you're charming enough that people aren't irritated with you when you mess everyone up. The activity will only end when there are too few dancers left to continue, and will continue all night if possible. As dancers pass each other or move hand-in-hand, eye contact can be made, quiet words exchanged, subtle (or not) messages passed as they spin through the room, or perhaps the room spins while they remain still.

It might depend on how much they’ve had to drink.

Those who do not wish to dance have other activities to participate in. In one quiet room, card tables are set up with multiple decks of cards stacked up, and there is even a box or two of dominoes and a handful of dice. The tables themselves are round and made of polished rosewood or mahogany. This area is quietly away from the ballroom, probably as a mercy to the tone-deaf Horatio Hornblower who loves cards but can’t abide music. Here, discreet (or indiscreet) gambling is inevitable. There may be no money here, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to wager.

This being a castle, there are other rooms to explore. Up in the towers are bedrooms, nooks and crannies, and a large private library. Sneaking back to the kitchen between meals for a preview or stolen taste of supper to come is not out of the question, either.

Are you lingering in the dining room, drinking and talking loud and laughing with friends, or will you shyly sit and watch the dancing and games and hope to be invited in? Are you sitting quietly alone and listening to the music as your foot taps on its own, or are you unable to sit still and ready to dance all night if they’ll let you? Are you playing cards with a few new acquaintances, or are you hanging on someone’s arm and helping them cheat? Are you content to enjoy the presence of people, or are you exploring the castle with a special someone?

Whatever you do, have fun.
complicatedliar: (smirk)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-03 03:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[Loki smirks.] Not something I share out of hand.

[But it sure as hell doesn't involve getting bruised. He's never been interested in that sort of bed game.]
relictusdeus: (Intimate)

warning still of Isaac talking about things not rated PG.

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-03 08:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Come now, you needn’t be so very shy…

[He tilts his head towards Loki, his voice low and conspiratory.]

Perhaps… you fancy binding a man’s hands and making yours every inch of trembling flesh laying before you, his pride, his civility coming undone slowly, so very slowly. [His description is slow and measured, allowing each word to sink in.] Meting out pleasure and pain so keen it steals the breath from his lungs. Teasing every last nerve, playing each like the strings of a lute and drawing such sweet, wondrous sounds. Bringing him to that knife’s edge... squirming, mewling, wanting, wanting you more than he has ever wanted anything in his life --

--and denying him his release. For as long as you see fit.

[To each his own tastes, of course, but Isaac has just felt unabashedly compelled to share but a few of things he much enjoys. There's quite a bit more where that came from, as one might imagine.]
complicatedliar: (smirk)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-03 11:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[Loki betrays absolutely not reaction to this litany, listening to it with the same mild expression he'd wear if Isaac were describing the weather to him.

And some of it does sound nice, admittedly. His greatest delight is maintaining control of himself while he makes others squirm, because it makes it so very clear who has the power.

But this is just one more extension of that game.

Loki tilts an eyebrow.]
Of all things, secrets are most beloved to me.
relictusdeus: (Satisfaction)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-04 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
[He straightens with a little smile on his lips, gazing out at the throng of dancers through half-lidded eyes.]

Every man has his own... [He remarks half to himself, his gaze settling over an arbitrary couple.] Some keep the peace, others tear men apart from the inside. And others still... are quite exciting, I imagine.
complicatedliar: (Default)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-04 06:45 am (UTC)(link)
[Loki laughs softly.] And some are stock and trade.
relictusdeus: (Mmnyes; popcorn.GIFing)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-04 04:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[He snorts lightly at the words.]

Indeed.

[Looking to Loki's glass after a moment, he remarks:]

Won't you have a little more? Or do you fear that tongue of yours shall wind loose?
complicatedliar: (the greatest joke of all)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-04 04:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[Loki snorts.]

This brew? Hardly. Hoping to see me drunk, Isaac?

[Hell. He'd gotten so drunk that he'd been dead enough to the world to have his head shaved and still hadn't breathed a word. Not that he would be advertising that fact.]
relictusdeus: (Flirt)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-04 04:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Come now. [Giggling.] Do you think so little of me?

[Quite frankly, he feels like visa versa might be true - that Loki's expecting him to drink more so that he may part with something of some value. Something that could be used against him. To be fair, he'd suspect the same of most who would keep him company.]
complicatedliar: (smirk)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-04 06:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[Loki's only answer to that is a raised eyebrow as he delicately finishes his glass of wine.]

Knowledge is power, yes?
relictusdeus: (Cloak)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-04 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[The smirk he offers in turn makes no secret of his opinion as he mulls over the expression.]

I am flattered you enjoy my company... but I don’t suppose you have come merely for small talk. Unless you very much enjoy the sound of your own voice. [He huffs a breathless laugh.] Or my own. Fancy that.
complicatedliar: (so sweet and so cold)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-05 12:33 am (UTC)(link)
[Dryly:] Perhaps the sound of your dulcet tones is like sweet music.

Since you were so determined to hold this wall up, I thought I'd let you know that it can stand perfectly fine on its own and you might have a turn on the dance floor if you so desire.
relictusdeus: (How nice...)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-05 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
[There's a thoughtful pause, his thin, cool smile unchanging.] ...Is that your attempt at an invitation?
complicatedliar: (do you expect me to believe that?)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-05 09:07 am (UTC)(link)
[Loki shrugs.] If you're expecting something embossed with gold leaf, you'll be sorely disappointed. I seem to have forgotten my stationery set.
relictusdeus: (hungry / up to no good)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-05 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Such a pity.

[He takes a slow breath, seeming perfectly disinterested from the look on his face- - but a beat later, he's uncrossing his legs and straightening from the wall, leaving his glass on a table. It made him restless to stand about too long in one place, unpreoccupied.]

You could stand to hone your skills of persuasion.

[With a curt little bow, he reaches for Loki’s hand in the way he has seen others extend an offer they can’t refuse invitation, meaning to take hold of it and draw it to his lips on a mischievous whim. His fingernails, long and pointed, press against the leather of his gloves.]

But... ‘twould be most cruel of me to leave you wanting and alone.
complicatedliar: (smiling bastard)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-06 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[Loki smirks.]

Seems to be working just fine.

[Loki is so on to you, Isaac. Looking amused, he lets the man take his hand, and accepts any kissing with good grace. Then he takes a rather more commanding hold and tilts his head toward the dance floor.]

Come along. They'll be starting a new piece soon.
relictusdeus: (Darkness)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-07 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
Don’t flatter yourself… or on second thought, do go on. Who am I to take something from you if it pleases you so?

[Thin eyebrows lift in a look of smug incredulity as he is lead towards the floor, and he offers resistance without looking too awkward about it.]

Worry not-- [Digging in his nails slightly.] -- I don't believe we shall have anyone scolding our tardiness most severely.
complicatedliar: (smirk)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-08 06:23 am (UTC)(link)
[Loki raises an eyebrow.]

Oh no, my ego's quite full as it is already.

[With utter sweetness:] Is something the matter, Isaac? I do know this one quite well, you realize, if you don't.
Edited 2012-12-08 06:24 (UTC)
relictusdeus: (Interesting)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-08 08:26 am (UTC)(link)
[That honeyed tone with its teasing lilt he knows all too well, having seen it fit to annoy many in the same way. He cocks his head as if to ask, ‘is that so?’, before smiling primly.]

…I imagine you do. [He tilts his chin in a silent challenge, eyes glinting cooly.] One variation of it, at least.

[Stepping forward, he attempts to draw Loki closer, much closer to him. While not very fond of being touched in general, he could tolerate it – and enjoy it – under certain circumstances.]
complicatedliar: (to taste your beating heart)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-09 06:42 am (UTC)(link)
Seven, actually. [Loki smirks.] You needn't worry, Isaac. You're in good hands.

[He plants his feet firmly, one eyebrow going up.]
relictusdeus: (This will hurt.)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-09 07:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[His gaze flicks down and then back up to meet Loki's gaze, a faint smile on his face. ]

How kind of you. [A chuckle bubbles out of him.] But… I would not concern yourself so much with me as you should other things. You ought to busy your good hands in better ways and make yourself useful... though if you would rather not, I am certain Firebrand would much appreciate them.
complicatedliar: (to taste your beating heart)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-10 12:17 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, you are in no position to tell me what I ought do with my hands, Isaac. [Loki's voice is pleasant, but there's a distinct chill in it. No, people do not get to tell him what to do.] I've more than enough ideas of my own.

Oh well. If you're not in the mood for a dance, I shall take myself elsewhere. There are many fish in the sea. [The eyebrow raises slightly.] And some species are far less spiny and a great deal more toothsome.
relictusdeus: (At your service; as you wish)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-10 05:39 am (UTC)(link)
[Having said something very similar, himself, to many others before, perhaps he should feel sympathetic. But sympathy, he has come to learn, is but another form of weakness. He sharply sucks in his breath as if at a stinging wound, knitting his brows.]

Do forgive me my offense.

[Drawing back his arm as if it were some slimy tentacle sliding back into water, he adds lightly:]

As you please. May other fish wriggle to your liking.
complicatedliar: (smirk)

[personal profile] complicatedliar 2012-12-11 06:45 am (UTC)(link)
[Loki waves a hand as if utterly unconcerned.]

Enjoy holding up your bit of wall.

[And he turns to go.]
relictusdeus: icon by me; image from official COD manga (Obsession)

[personal profile] relictusdeus 2012-12-12 12:35 am (UTC)(link)
[Isaac bows slightly albeit with mock ceremony, his eyes following Loki when he raises his head.]