starlogs | // HOLIDAY PARTY

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// HOLIDAY PARTY

WHO: EVERYONE!
WHERE: The Atrium
WHEN: December 24th
WHAT: Holiday party!
WARNINGS: None (but please mark if there is questionable content!)

// Jingle Mingle_

➣ Sparkles and Spirits
Late the night before, visitors will be asked to leave as the atrium is going to be closed for a few hours. It's completely blocked off from sight. In the morning, it will be open once again and the entire space is covered in a soft padding of snow. With more still falling! It's not entirely clear just where it's coming from or how they rigged it up to not even melt, but it's here. Throughout the day, the snow will keep falling though won't get any higher than one foot. Except for a designated area on the western side of the atrium. There characters will find copious amounts of snow to build forts or snowmen or wage an all out guerilla warfare snowball fight.

Stationed throughout the atrium in various places out of the way are buffets and bars to provide everyone with delicious delectables and delightful drinks. These stations are constantly manned and refreshed so that nothing is ever empty or anyone is left wanting. Don't see a food you're dying to have? Ask and one of the workers will be happy to seek it out for you!

Late morning to mid afternoon, there will be a gingerbread house contest. Everyone is encouraged to participate and show off their creative skill! All items needed will be provided to create your masterpiece. Various awards will be given out, including Best Use of Gumdrops.

Once the magic hour begins, all the lights in the atrium will begin to flicker on. Twinkling lights in the trees and candied garden lights will mark the path appropriately called Candy Cane Lane, which is little more than a means to encourage a more romantic atmosphere with a walk around the atrium itself.

➣ Flannel and Frost
Once night falls, the party is still going strong. More food is brought out and the drinks just don't stop flowing. Because what's a party without booze?

On the east side of the atrium a large canopy is stationed with a dance floor beneath it just waiting for everyone to cut loose. A DJ will be playing all night with pulsing, hypnotic beats that not one booty can say no to. Invite someone to cut that rug or dance by yourself like no one's watching. It's time to cut loose!

While walking through the atrium, be careful! There's enchanted mistletoe that will spring up anywhere at anytime and will trap anyone without restraint. (Did you think we wouldn't have this?) It hovers in the air with a soft green glow, encasing two passersby within an arm's length radius. Get those lips to puckering to get yourselves free! (A kiss anywhere counts, so don't fret!)

Tucked away on the north side of the atrium is a large maze. It boasts to be the best activity for the holiday party, but those in charge could be a little biased. It's a mystery as to what goes on beyond the entrance and the only way anyone can find out is to just march right in. The rules of the maze are: 1.) No one goes in alone (max. 2 at a time) and 2.) If you feel too trapped or lost, take off the visor and the experience will be over. Upon entering, everyone will be given a visor and set loose inside. Each group will experience something different should they choose to go into the maze, so please go HERE for a customized maze trip!

Everyone is free to stay as long as they wish, but around 3:00 in the morning, workers will begin dismantling things and ushering people out so they can clean. Once everyone is nestled all snug in their beds, they'll be visited by someone to get their holiday gifts! Happy Holidays!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Maybe we should leave a trail of bread crumbs like Hansel and Gretel.

[This is definitely Eichi's idea. In fact, he probably texted Reim and made him come over here with the vague threat of getting lost on his own and dying of heart failure if he didn't have anyone to watch him. Probably.

But now, they can enter, and Eichi raises the visor over his head to stare at it in amazement. He realizes something shortly after that, though, and lowers it closer to his chest with a curious frown.] Ah, but little birds would eat our path and leave us lost anyway. You know, in that story, they also lost their way home and became lost in the forest.

[Cool right?? Anyway, he's putting this visor on.] Let's go, let's go~

[Does Reim even know this story? Probably not, thanks for nothing Pandora Hearts. He'd give Eichi the same Look regardless, but of course he's doing this out of whatever weird sense of obligation to this sick boy he's given himself, so he won't question it... He sighs.]

Well, here's hoping we're capable enough to not get lost. [He's not familiar enough with the virtual reality concept to wholly believe they can just take off the visors and be safe again, so. He'll wonder and worry. But he's giving the visor one last look before he puts it on, grateful at least that the Future has considered people with glasses when designing these things.

So, as this "maze" comes to life...] Oh. Oh, I hadn't expected all this...

[Here's hoping! Normally, Eichi would probably go on for the next five minutes in vague relation to that story and death of the innocent, but once he puts this visor on, it's too exciting for his usual bullshit.

Instead, he changes directions with his bullshit. His fists clench near his chest in his excitement as the world comes into view, and Eichi spins around to view the castle's courtyard.]

How amazing! It's like a real Kingdom! Am I the King? [Eichi... There are stalls everywhere, and it seems like they're in the middle of a festival here! Naturally, he runs straight for a weapons stand. He's going to buy this sword.]

[Okay, wait, this is probably not what they're supposed to be doing—]

What did I say about running off— [Already he's following Eichi around at a brisk walk!! This is his life now. He doesn't know if he's supposed to stop him from buying the sword, but he supposes that plan wouldn't work anyway, considering the way Eichi is... so.

He'll just take it away if Eichi waves it around and starts coughing blood. That's fine.] If you must have it, hurry up and let's move on to— er, excuse me?

[This weapons seller is speaking to them (in vague NPC dialogue), and something about Reim's everything has apparently given the impression that he's a very kind butler looking after his young lord.]

Pardon me, I am not— [this isn't going to work!! He tries desperately to convince this NPC of his case, but no...

And that's how Reim wound up buying Eichi a sword in virtual reality.]

[Naturally, Eichi doesn't help explain that Reim isn't a butler at all. He stands there and smiles politely until he's been gifted this sword.]

Hooray. ♪ [Score. But thanks, butler!! He takes the sword properly in his hands now, shifting it into a dramatic pose of sorts. His expression is as calm and happy as always, but his eyes are sparkling with excitement to be holding an item like this. Calm this boy down.]

Take a look at this, Reim. [Ah, did he switch names for him all of a sudden?] The quality of this metal is superb, and the blade is so sharp it must have never seen battle yet. I wonder what it might be like to wield this in a fight, like in olden days. You know, I was attacked by someone wielding a sword once, myself.

[Eichi is the worst, which doesn't explain why Reim bought him a sword, and yet completely explains why Reim bought him a sword. That's the kind of situation they're in now.]

Don't wave it around... [That's all he can think of to say at first. Why are people attacking this ill boy?

Okay, like, besides how frustrating he is, it's still rude to attack people with swords.]

How ever did you get yourself out of that situation? [he asks, like he doesn't really want to know, but Eichi is going to tell him anyway!! Just kidding, he does want to know but he can't admit it. Why...]

My beloved comrade was at my side and held him back from attacking with his magic. Even if everything he does is a beautiful, stunning act, it was a bit too much to deal with... so I asked him to release him from the spell, and he left him bound instead. We talked it out.

[Like, via threats, but that's okay. He points his sword at the ground, dragging it lightly to draw a line in the dirt with a smile.] Where should we go next? Maybe I'll get to put this sword to use.

[At least hold it up...] I see. You must have very interesting friends.

[Are they friends, does Eichi have friends? Reim's friends are all basically murderers, so maybe this isn't such a stretch. Anyway.]

Isn't holding the sword enough? Why don't we watch some of the festivities? [Look, there's jousting, let's go.]

They are wonderful angels who I would be nothing without.

[So, he has friends. Totally. He smiles, and in this virtual reality he finds he has a sheath to place this sword in at his hip (he's left handed, so it goes on his right) and then moves to link his arms with Reim.]

Remember, let's not get lost in the crowds. If I get left behind, I'll really be stuck, and you'll have to come back and find me. I mean it, you know.

[Reim actually starts to smile about that totally bullshit comment - it's kind of cute in a weird way, after the sword attack context - but then his arm is being manhandled and that makes his expression a lot more strained in about zero seconds. Ah...]

I wouldn't leave you behind. [So... shut up!! Shut up, he would come back and worry about him, that's obvious despite his disapproving dad attitude. Daditude.] Please have a little more faith in me, during this... illusion festival.

[hmph.] ...Look, horses.

In that case, I'm relying on you.

[Thanks, butler!! Ah, but Eichi looks really happy as they walk, so maybe it's okay that he's hanging off Reim's arm, right? Look at him. He's smiling all the way to his eyes for once, going at a much more manageable pace so not to exhaust himself. He's looking this way and that like an excited child.]

How grand! Even the horses look like they're of a higher status, from a meaningful time. They're beautifully groomed and dressed in the colors of the kingdom, from what I can tell. I'd like to ride one, but that would be too dangerous, so maybe I could settle for petting one, instead?

Hmm. [He's not a butler!! But he'll tolerate this and they can make their way toward the horses at a nice, casual pace. Reim has a look around himself, but less excitedly, since he fusses... He's thinking about what the correct way through this "maze" is, and how this festival is a maze at all. How could it be...?]

Petting...? Oh- oh, yes. I suppose you could do that. [a beat] How about that white one, there? It suits you.

[He says this and then frowns at himself for saying it, ah.]

[It suits him, hmmm??? His head turns around at that instantly, like yes, go on and tell him more about how this pretty white horse suits him. He's smiling, though.]

Do you think so? Fufu, the color of pure white is an angelic one, and that's precisely the image I had my normal uniform modeled after. I wonder what it might look like for me to ride this horse wearing that uniform, sitting tall and grand as if I didn't fear falling at all.

[But he's not that crazy all the time... He shouldn't push himself and he doesn't understand virtual reality in this case, so he'll stick to petting the horse right now. Moving closer to it, and with the permission of the man who seems to be in charge of this one, Eichi pets along its side, beaming as it allows him to.]

What soft fur! And this long, flowing mane... Reim, you should feel it for yourself!

[He doesn't think so anymore!! Reim shuffles closer after him, more to make sure nothing goes horribly wrong with this horse and Eichi than because he actually wants to pet it. But he'll raise a hand to stroke its neck vaguely, like yes, that's a horse. Wow.]

Hair. [nerd,] Technically it's the same, but it lacks the thickness that would enable it to be worn as a coat or something else, so - hair.

[This fun fact about why nobody wears horse coats while Reim continues to pet the horse. Fun stuff.]

My, you just can't hold back from corrections like that, can you? It really does remind me of someone I know. I feel so warm inside that I'll have to pet your fur as well, Reim. [He gets on his tip-toes, even if he really doesn't have to, and tries to pat Reim's head.]

Pet pet. ♪

You—oh. [What is he doing...? This lasts all of about three seconds before Reim is all but folding himself in half to lean away from Eichi's petting hands. Please stop.]

I do not have fur-!!

Fufu, that was a cute face just now.

[He'll pull his hand back, though, in the middle of his amusement. Giving the horse one last pet, he smiles at it fondly and then steps back and away.]

Let's see what else there is. This is a maze, you know? We'll have to find some way through to a "goal" or "end." [Says the guy who ran off randomly.]

Don't talk about my face like that... [Urgh... He pushes up his glasses in a distinctly uncomfortable way (because there is a way), then looks away from Eichi and the horse to the rest of the festival.]

I suppose the castle is something worth reaching. If I had to guess, I would say that's our most likely "goal" candidate.

The castle is a fine guess. At the top of any kingdom, what is there to find but the castle? The center of all decisions, holding the responsibility and control of everyone outside of those tall walls...

[He chuckles, flipping one of his hands to gesture at it. Yeah, good spot, they can go there.] I'm thinking it must be there, as well. We're rather close, so let's head that way now.

[Has Eichi ever gone outside in his life.]

We only have so much time in here, after all... What will we say if you've wasted the whole twenty minutes petting a horse?

[See how this is all his fault and not Reim's?? Exactly. Anyway, now they'll leave the horse alone to head for the castle, which seems like the perfect time for them to cross some invisible threshold of Drama and prompt the Very Realistic Virtual Dragon to swoop in and destroy half this castle upon landing.

Reim wants to say something like "changed my mind, let's leave," but it comes out as a stupid yelp instead. yiiii]

Wow! A dragon!

[Meanwhile, there is Eichi, watching in amazement as the castle crumbles beneath the fire of the dragon. Paying no attention to how Reim freaks out beside him, he only stops to admire the sight of the dragon curving around in the air to align itself for another attack.]

It's too bad that this visor won't let me take pictures with a simple click. A scene like this would be lovely hanging above my bed. I wonder if there are artists on board this ship? [He'll get a commission.] Look, it's lining up for another attack! Fufu, how thrilling, my heart is beating so fast, even knowing this is all fake... I wonder how we can bring it down?

[He's drawing his sword, here he goes...]

Don't you dare!! [No, ultimate no, mega no!! Reim comes back to his senses just enough to put himself bodily in front of Eichi, arms held out wide like this will really stop him from trying to go slay a (fake) dragon.]

We aren't here to fight dragons! Our only task is to find a way through the maze! [huff!! and lamely, he finishes,] ...So there is likely another way.

[Oh, hello. It does stop Eichi from drawing his sword, at least, since he doesn't want to really see if a virtual sword would really cut Reim. He keeps his hand at the hilt, smiling a little too calmly as he considers those words.]

There probably is. There are always multiple paths to one point. I think that's the point of this "maze".

[It's not really a maze. It's like a choose your own adventure, isn't it? Well, he's choosing his right now!] The path that I want to take needs to be the most exciting. I won't settle for a dull, safe path around the castle to claim our rewards. I'll only rest at ease once I cross through the remains of this castle, covered in the blood of a slain dragon and holding my head high.

[...Well, they'll probably run out of time before any of this happens, at this rate.]

[No, it's definitely like a maze. Reim listens to all of this, takes a deep breath, and grabs Eichi abruptly by the shoulders. He's not going anywhere, sorry.]

Your heart won't make it if you try to fight anything bigger than— than— a boot! [A BOOT, EICHI] I won't allow it!

A boot? [He looks so disappointed. That's all his face gives away, even if he tenses considerably at the grab.]

That's so mean, Reim... I've fought greater enemies than a dragon or a boot, you know? [He's going to ramble more, but a roar interrupts the both of them, and he actually blinks up at the sky in surprise as the dragon shifts directions. Oh. It's flying their way, now...]

We must be the main characters. [Reaching up, he tries to grab at Reim's wrists to guide them down from him again.] It's already noticed us. I don't have the stamina to run, so if you're afraid, you can take your own path now.

// HOLIDAY PARTY

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kinkshames eichi

quiet horse butler

what the hell

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