07 | audio

[implying]

Do you know, I've been here for a year now. Oh, how the time flies, or whatever other cliches you might like! But then with all of this time flying, I'll get straight to business and stop wasting it.

I'd like to suggest a celebration. I personally will be celebrating a year here, but I'm certain we can find a good handful of other causes, if you're in need of one to allow yourself a little food, drink, and dancing!

Ah, let's see… we might celebrate that the Initiative has finally come to its senses and realized the value of a therapeutic trip to the beach. Yes? Lovely, that one. I'm sorry to any of our new arrivals who've missed it! Or if you're not a fan, for some reason, of sun, water, and half-naked people, then maybe we might celebrate a favorite holiday from home. Calendars between here and our collective homes hardly match up, so it shouldn't be any trouble at all if it isn't the right time of year for it. Or if you're of a grimmer persuasion, perhaps we might simply celebrate the fact that, despite the United Earth's occasional brutal efforts, most of us are still alive.

So then. What do you think? Shall it have a theme? I've already done a masquerade in Versailles, it would be unsightly to do a repeat performance. I don't suppose there are any suggestions? Food requests may be delivered to Adrasteius, who I'm quite certain won't mind at all managing the banquet again. He's very agreeable like that.

Comments

[implying]

Why, it's my pleasure, of course!

[ He pops back into sight with a drink in hand (cranberry and vodka, in fact), pushing the glass toward Fenris even as he pushes the man toward a chair. ]

Comfortable doesn't mean standing about like a teenager at a party, but I must award points for effort.

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris takes the drink before shaking Vanadi off, walking to the chair himself. You know, because that just SCREAMS friendship, good job, Fenris]

I was not aware this was a party. There seem so few guests. [Oh look, humour, sort of]

[implying]

[ Good enough for him. He disappears back into the kitchen, voice raised to drift out after him. ]

All it takes is two! [ Give him a few more minutes in here — from the sound of things, all the dishes clinking and such, he'll be making good on his dinner invitation any minute now. ]

[wolfuncaged]

[The promising sound of food!]

Two would make for a very quiet party.

i was going to describe the food but my mind blanked, this is use-your-imagination dining!

[implying]

Well! Am I going to hear any objections?

[ He reappears with two plates bearing full meals in hand and settles them both at the small table, set between junction of kitchen and living room. He invites him over with a nod, even pulls out the opposite chair for him. ]

my imagination tells me that it's delicious

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris carefully makes his way over, sitting down, awkward as ever. Even years with Hawke has not made social interactions any easier for him. Well, except for the fact he doesn't try to murder everyone he sees now. That's different]

Not with food that looks like this, no.

good, because that's absolutely true. all fancy and gourmet and shit.

[implying]

A good answer.

[ He grins, taking a seat for himself, but is at least polite enough to hold off on digging in until Fenris has started. ]

So then, what have you done today?

awww yeah

[wolfuncaged]

[Oh no, it's one of Fenris' worst fears. Small talk. He tries to busy himself with eating, but he knows he can only not answer the question for so long]

I trained.

[implying]

Aha. [ Small talk is one thing, but these are pointed pleasantries. He keeps most of his attention on eating, but his ears are cocked attentively. ]

And why was that?

[wolfuncaged]

I am a warrior, to fight is all I know. [Well, suffer, too, but he'd rather not do that in his free time]

[implying]

Why, how sad! And only imagine the plights of those who had only known one thing, only to come to Exsilium and find thet one thing not even viable here.

[ He shrugs, eyes still on his food, and pauses for a sip of the wine that he'd set down at the table earlier. ]

If only it were an option to try one's hand at something new.

[wolfuncaged]

There is plenty of fighting to be done here, if I were to choose to fight for them.

[He'll make a soft, amused sound, eating his food]

I am told I should do that often.

[implying]

And have you made up your mind on it?

[wolfuncaged]

[There's a wry smile here, fleeting, to be certain, but it's there]

On trying something new?

[implying]

[ He nods, finally glancing up at Fenris, eyebrows cocked. ]

It could do you good.

[wolfuncaged]

And what, pray tell, would you suggest this 'new thing' I try might be?

[implying]

[ He puts a few seconds of serious thought into that, chewing slowly, before he brightens. ]

Crochet.

[wolfuncaged]

[Squinting]

Is that not something old women do?

[implying]

[ and he just smiles, so brightly. ]

You've the hair for it, no? I rather think you could pull it off.

[wolfuncaged]

My hair colour was not my choice. And you, also, have the hair for it, in that case.

[implying]

Well, then we'll make ourselves a club! Open to old women and attractive young men with prominent ears. It will be very exclusive.

[wolfuncaged]

I am not sure how well I would interact with others in a 'club'.

[implying]

Fine, fine! [ He shrugs carelessly. ] Then we'll cut out the old women and have the place entirely to ourselves, yes? I shouldn't mind that at all, considering the company I'd be left with.

[wolfuncaged]

[Oh you and your flirting. He dips his head, clearing his throat, a faint smile crossing his lips regardless]

Perhaps I would not mind the company, either.

[implying]

[ Aw, that smile. It softens his own as he glances away, back to his food. ]

Why, don't think I won't hold you to that. [ A beat, and he adds: ] Ah, but this was meant to be a conversation of freedoms, no? I suppose I'd best get to the point, there.