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Post by Ladorak on Dec 24, 2010 1:18:11 GMT -5
((I'm starting this thread cause Saharan should be wrapping up soon, and I love writing with my characters so yeah I actually visited Florence this summer, so it's kinda cool that I'm writing about a place I've been to ) (( this is what I pictured for our ballroom music. www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZS_gMdRQe8))It was Christmas Eve...or Giftsgiving Eve, depending on where you were from. Either way, it was the holiday season, and the grand palace of Florence, the Pitti, was decked out in the royal colors not only of the house of Habsburg, but also of the holiday season as well, red and green, and red and gold for the family colors. The Agamemnon had been in bad need of a refit after her combat in October, and Tunis had not had the proper dockyard facilities for the ship, hence Ladorak had been forced to divert instead to Livorno, in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, part of the Calgary Alliance. It was north of the Kingdom of Naples, but still on the west coast. The Grand Duchy was technically a protectorate state of the Kostritz Empire, due to it being ruled by a member of the Habsburg family, the ruling family of Kostritz. Grand Duke Ferdinand III (not to be confused with Ferdinand IV of Naples) was the younger brother of Emperor Francis II of Kostritz, the marbled polecat monarch. Francis was 25 years of age, his brother Ferdinand was 24. The Agamemnon's crew had found a dire situation waiting for them upon their return to Toulon from Tunis. The Rosferian republican forces had broken through the Allied defenses, and a little known meerkat artillery Colonel, Boneparte Lantzer, had been instrumental in helping to retake the city. In the confused evacuation, the Welkinites had tried to destroy the 31 captured Rosferian warships, but thanks to Ferlusanian interference and botched sabotage, only 9 Rosferian warships were burnt, and an additional 4 were taken as prizes, leaving the Rosferians with 14 out of their original number of 31, which was still a sizable fleet. It had also strained relations between Welkin and Ferlusan, though the upcoming marriage between Knight Captain James Saumarez and Princess Captain Priscilla Steep was still holding the tenuous alliance together. Captain Ladorak Fugate was unsure where the two nations would find themselves this time next year...but right now it didn't matter. He was surrounded by the splendid opulence of the Tuscan palace. It was even grander than the Neapolitan court, as the Kostritz Empire could afford to outfit their palaces in the finest of livery. The ermine Captain...for he was now in full (fluffy due to his genetics) ermine coat, was decked out in his best dress uniform, sword at his side, the opal and amethyst sparkling in the brilliant ballroom lights that shone like so many crystals around them and above their heads. Oh he had plans tonight...and his heart raced faster than the upbeat timpani, triangles, and stringed instruments that were belting out a fast and lively dance rhythm for the gathered crowds to swish and swirl about the polished wood of the ballroom floor. Admiral Hood was present, as he'd taken the fleet to Hyeres Bay, a few miles east of Toulon on the Rosferian coast to resume the blockade of the now recaptured enemy port. The Ferlusanian fleet had departed in a huff back to their own nation, leaving the Welkinite fleet to its own devices. The opossum Admiral was here in order to brief Ladorak on their plans for the coming year, as well as to enjoy himself a bit after spending nearly a year at sea. He hadn't been to a gala since the one at Whistleminster, where he'd received his command. A massive Christmas tree stood in the center of the dance floor, stretching its boughs up to the vaults of the ceiling high above, and sparkly tinsel and garland was draped all about it, as well as red, green and gold orbs that caught the lights and flashed as the dancers rotated about the tree. The entire room was lit up with a sort of golden glow that seemed to radiate warmth and intimate ambiance to all around it. The young marbled polecat Grand Duke was situated near the stairs leading up to one of his numerous thrones in this palace, and he was engaged in dancing with his equally young wife, the 20 year old polecat Luisa Maria Amelia Teresa, daughter of Ferdinand IV of Naples. Despite the recent defeat, Ladorak was in good spirits. So the Rosferians reclaimed their naval base and a little over half of their Cobalt Fleet...so what? They had all made it through their first battle without a scrape (save for the ship itself, which needed a new main topmast), and Ladorak had very specific plans tonight. He squeezed Molly's arm with his own, having looped his arm about hers earlier. "Shall we dance?" he asked, looking down at her with sparkling green eyes, resplendent in his white fur. "I have an early present that I want to give to you tonight...before Christmas itself, if you have no objections." he couldn't suppress the smile now playing about his lips as even his whiskers seemed to perk up a bit in this atmosphere. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caden stepped out of the hot and steaming bathtub and onto the marble tiles of the washroom. His naked white furred body was sopping wet, but the albino sighed happily as he received a towel from one of the Habsburg palace servants. Ladorak had set him up with a bath, and he was taking advantage of it, not having much opportunity to bathe on the ship. Running the towel over his fur, he found himself in rather good spirits. It was Christmas Eve, Ladorak was in full ermine, and he was at one of the most splendid palaces he'd ever visited. He couldn't think of a better way to spend his holiday down time. Yet another port of call and another city to explore in their travels over the seas...it was one of the things he liked about being in the navy. Drying himself off, he began dressing himself with the help of the servant, slipping into his outfit that Ladorak had bought him a few days ago. Royal blue waistcoat, gray pants and black gaiters that covered even blacker shoes. He looked like a right fine presentable marten when he glanced at himself in the mirror, lingering briefly on his pink eyes, but blinking and looking away. Time to join the festivities! He eagerly raced out of the washroom, ran down the hall as fast as his legs could carry him, and burst into the golden ambiance of the ballroom. Hopping a bit on his footpaws in an excited manner to the beat of the music, he began working his way through the dance floor to try and find his companions.
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Post by Carrow on Dec 24, 2010 17:28:31 GMT -5
Cerinus Apodemus would have liked the opportunity to purchase some new clothes for himself in Tunis, (along with presents for his friends, two of which were safely stowed; the other was something rather special that he'd been planning for quite a bit) but as it was he hadn't quite gotten the opportunity to do so. Not that he particularly minded, however: the rodent was used to getting by on a limited choice of clothes. Such was the life he'd led back home after all. He was clad in his usual outfit of white shirt and blue slacks, but both items looked particularly fine as he'd had them washed recently.
His shirt had been in a bad state after he'd gone though emotional turmoil in the bustling city. Caden had been kitnapped, and the mouse had been completely lost without his best friend there with him. Now, though, things were back to the way they had always been. They had been together again for a few weeks, and Carrow had to admit he now felt better than he had in quite some time.
He was quite excited about things, for two reasons. The first was that the holidays were upon them, and while the rodent was well aware that the tradition of giving gifts had its roots in religion (something he didn't particularly care for) he still took part in it, not to mention the festivities that came with it.
It had been a tremendous year, a real roller-coaster ride, and while Carrow had to be honest and say that there were some things that had happened to him he would rather forget, the positives far outweighed the negatives. 1793 was drawing to a close, and it had been quite an eventful time for the mouse, who had left almost everything he knew behind him and sailed off into the unknown.
The second was that they were spending Christmas in Florence, and this meant more of Carrow's second favourite thing in the whole world: exploration! His most favourite activity was spending time with his dear friends, and the wood mouse was in unusually high spirits as he stepped into the ballroom. He felt glad to be alive! This was going to be fantastic, he was completely certain of it.
He was unsure if he would dance at any stage during the celebrations. He didn't consider himself very good at it, along with a great deal of other things. He didn't give himself credit for his successes, and tormented himself over his failures, but it was the way he had become. Granted, things weren't quite as bad for him as they had been, but he still found himself unable to give himself his dues, no matter the occasion.
Carrow wouldn't be asking for a dance, that was for sure. In an atmosphere such as this one, the rodent was particularly shy. He was mostly concerned with finding his companions at the moment - also wondering about the current location of a certain mousemaid who had been liberated at Tunis. He was immensely taken with her, and felt no shame in admitting it. He still didn't think he had a romantic bone in his body, but even still...
Selvis Frenata, meanwhile, was in a rather mischievous mood. The longtail had seen his mouse companion enter, and, quite sure he wouldn't be able to hear the weasel's approach over the noise that filled the room, had been padding softly about, tracking his companion's movements and hoping to surprise him. Carrow was wandering around with no specific purpose, simply taking everything in.
Seizing his opportunity, Selvis struck, tackling Carrow and taking him to ground, the widest of smiles evident as he laughed aloud. "If you could see your face right now, mate!," he exclaimed, ruffling the mouse's ears in his usual friendly manner before helping him to his paws. Selvis was quivering with anticipation of what lay ahead, and as Carrow well knew, the weasel's enthusiasm was infectious. Not that he needed much encouragement himself. For once.
"I thought that predatory instinct of yours had been phased out over generations!," Carrow responded playfully, smirking a little himself. "I have a little something for you, actually. Don't say anything," he added quickly before Selvis had a chance to speak, "but just wait until you see it!" It was the mouse's turn to laugh now. "Trust me when I say it's going to come in handy for a creature such as you." Carrow hadn't forgotten what had drawn him to Selvis all those months ago back in Crittenden.
Selvis's ears twitched curiously. "Hmm... I suppose I will wait, Carrow," he responded simply, giving absolutely nothing of his own plans away. Carrow didn't look like he was expecting anything in return, which made it all the better for Selvis. He'd chosen presents for his three friends: simple yet appropriate gifts that he was confident they would appreciate. "Have you seen Caden around?"
The mouse shook his head. "I know he's around here somewhere but I haven't quite spotted him yet... wait, hang on!" He grinned broadly as he spotted Caden, who was busy in the process of combing the place for his companions. He wasn't difficult to find at all, even in a place as clearly crowded as this one. He had a head start on Selvis, even though the weasel's sight was better than his own, so took off across the floor, his long-tailed friend following in his wake.
"Hello Caden!," they called together, Carrow skidding to a halt close to his albino marten companion, Selvis coming in just behind him at a close second. Carrow wasn't the swiftest of creatures by any stretch of the imagination, but he could certainly put on a burst of speed if he wanted to. Carrow was in a rather bubbly mood, and it showed in his voice. "Wow, the place has been done up rather well, hasn't it? Great atmosphere, perfect for a celebration the likes of this!"
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Post by bookity101 on Dec 24, 2010 20:54:49 GMT -5
Elle brushed off the sea green waistcoat she had just finished buttoning on and turned to look in a mirror in the hallway, checking to be sure the buttons were all aligned properly. She sighed. As much as she thought that this was nice of Janey to have bought this, and more for when she grew, fancier clothing for her, she would have preferred to be wearing a dress. She checked her gray-blue pants and deep black gaiters and shoes. She sighed again, this would have to do. She placed a paw down on her shoulder bag and smiled. At least this part of this Christmas Eve was as it always was.
Elle ducked through the crowd, avoiding running into anyone as much as possible, which was almost impossible with the amount of beasts just milling about and dancing. But she managed to get through everyone relatively unscathed, and finally came up beside her friends.
“Hello every- ah-choo!” Elle shook her head, and rubbed the tip of her nose. “Sorry about that.” She sniffed lightly to try and remove the tickle from her inside her nose. “Someone spritzed their perfume all over me- ah- ah CHOO!” Both paws came up to cover her nose, grimacing as she forced her paws down again.
“Ack, sorry again…” She looked over at Carrow, who was fairly bursting with excitement, and selvis seemed to be in a good mood as well, and their mood was infectious, making her smile wider than it had been since…. Well for a long, long time.
“Hey, are you guy’s going to dance?”
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Miri grumbled to herself as she moved through the grandiose hallways. Her gray dress was less ornate than the average dress in the room; the silver material brushing the floor, elbow length gloves and the glossy material covering her upper arms was… not what she liked. She preferred to be in the background, where no beast cared what she did or did not do. And now she was here, her hair done in a fancy way, some hair framing her face, the rest up in a loose bun. The light glinted off her necklace and the shine of the lamps made her eyes appear warmer than they actually were. In fact, she was quite beautiful in this lighting, and many males of all species saw that. And she HATED every minute of it…
And all of this was the fault of a certain female stoat who had abandoned her almost the moment her beau had appeared in sight, leaving her at the mercy of all to many foreigners…
“I’m going to kill you Molly.”
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Post by Ladorak on Dec 24, 2010 23:52:03 GMT -5
Montegu Sylver, the Right and Honorable, picked his way through the gathered crowd and around the giant Christmas tree. He wondered if it was real, but couldn't say for sure. He figured Maudlin or especially Scruff would be able to tell, were they here, though unfortunately their paths had not crossed as of yet. The two of them had enlisted, but had not been assigned to the Agamemnon, instead being posted to the 74 gun Russell if he recalled properly.
He was decked out tonight in a black outfit, contrasting nicely with is now white fur, as he'd turned with the season as well. No top hat tonight, as he wanted to eschew it in favor of something a bit more plain. Dark blue waistcoat, black jacket, black pants, and simple white spats over his footpaws with no shoes, as Montegu Sylver never did believe in wearing shoes.
Oh what he wouldn't give to be here with Jis Bryony Bludd...and deep down inside, he had an even greater desire to be seen publicly with a certain lemming jill hanging off his arm. The Countess Sveltlana Bogginski would be the perfect catch, for she had captivated him long go, during their first meeting in his flat. Her shimmering and velvety golden-brown fur was the softest he'd ever beheld, softer than any mink's. Those deep, penetrating eyes had sucked him in from the start...and if she hadn't such an evil heart within her, then perhaps the Countess would be the one accompanying him to the ball tonight, instead of no one. But alas...circumstances could not be changed, and instead, the weasel jack found himself trailing after Miri, knowing that she was not by any length enjoying herself.
Well that made two of them, though Monty amused himself by imagining Sveltlana by his side, if only briefly. He wondered where she was now...probably back at her estate in Kradowska, or maybe Slattland. She had several residences, and though she called Slattland home, she was Kradowskan by birth. Her native country was being ripped apart by Gradvar, Kostritz, and Delorn at present, the once mighty nation having fallen into powerless ruin and becoming a mere shadow of its former self. If things got any worse, it might cease to exist as a nation altogether.
As it was, he needed to make sure that Miri wouldn't spend Christmas Eve alone. "Lovely necklace Jis Talian. I didn't realize you owned such a thing. Where did you get that? Oh! Pardon me." the detective said, coming up behind her. "I just figured neither of us will be enjoying this gathering tonight, but I figured that since I'm not working now, perhaps we could at least spend a small amount of time with each other if nothing else. Better than both spending it alone and resenting this ball, right?" he asked, a bit unsteady in his vocabulary as he wasn't used to taking jills out like this...not that he was taking Miri out, only seeing if she did want some company right now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caden found his two friends approaching him, and he met them somewhere in between. Elliot came up shortly afterward, not right off though. When it was just Carrow and Selvis, Caden nodded at both of them, smiling, his nervous frustration at his kitnapping having subsided over the past few weeks. He was finally returning to normal it seemed. His paws had stopped shaking after the first week, and it had gone from there once the old work routine slid back in.
"Why hello there shipmates! Merry Christmas you two." He nodded at both them, clasping his paws behind his back, his smile turning more into a beam. "It's not quite that time yet, but it will be in a few more hours. I suppose we can all exchange some gifts in a short while." the albino was unable to contain his anticipation of this. He had placed his presents for his friends under the tree, the large ornamental coniferous piece being a general depository for presents that would be sorted out later. Caden remembered where he'd placed his, and didn't feel the need to worry about it. This was a Kostritz royal residence after all, and he felt safe and could trust the beasts around him, even if he didn't know many of them.
He nodded at Elliot as the beech marten approached them. He mentioned dancing, though Caden wasn't sure if he was addressing just Carrow and Selvis, or himself as well. At any rate, the albino shifted a bit uncomfortably and shook his head. "Oh no...probably not. I...the last time I danced was a year ago with your sister...and she's so far away...back in Welkin I suppose. I wouldn't have anybody to dance with tonight...so no...I don't think so." Caden answered honestly.
He had seen the way Carrow had been regarding that orange furred mousemaid they had picked up in Tunis. His mouse friend had seemed quite taken with her, and Caden had been delighted with this, even if not much yet had occurred. It would do Carrow a world of good in the marten's opinion...though at the same time he could feel his own incredible loneliness at not being able to see Elle...ever. At least until they got back to Welkin. He had a present for her...but only for Elliot to pass on. Not to give to her in the flesh.
That was the only thing he missed about being away from Welkin. He missed Elle. He missed that night at Whistleminster, and dancing with her. He had no idea when or if he'd ever see her again. When the war was over he supposed. He only hoped he would make it back alive and in one piece. His Tunis escapade had terrified him, and left him feeling uncertain in the following weeks. But he couldn't shirk his duties...he was a Volunteer Class I, and he wasn't going to change that. He was training to be an officer someday, and he had responsibilities to Ladorak and the ship. Ladorak would never let him down...and he didn't want to let Ladorak down.
Glancing up at the great green tree, the albino wished he COULD dance tonight, but no...that wouldn't be happening. He regarded his long tailed weasel and mouse friend to see what they would say. He was particularly keen on finding out whether or not Carrow was going to try his paw with...whatever her name was. Weaselbait was it? Caden had not spoken to her aside from a few passing sentences, so he couldn't remember too much about her, aside from that Carrow had taken a bit of a shine to her.
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Post by spender on Dec 25, 2010 6:25:15 GMT -5
"Dance?" Molly giggled. "Do you really have to ask, dear? I just wonder..." She surveyed the battle field—er... dance floor. Dance... hm. "...if it's safe. For them."
The stoat jill grinned. Her spirits were the highest they'd ever been, much higher than when she'd met him a year ago. Back then, still dealing with the grief of her previous lover's death, still unsure of her future, she had kept herself at bay, and, as such, had danced appropriately. Now, she wasn't willing to do such a thing. If she danced, she would dance, and woe betide anybeast who found themselves in her path. She was an animal of war, and her dance was the dance of death. She felt like topping off the night by sinking her teeth into some poor vole's neck. Hopefully non-sentient.
Molly was decked out in only the most fantastical ballgown she had ever designed out of her myriad collections. Red and black, of course, but here and there was a touch of green ribbon—her fur, purist white, finished the effect. She was, herself, a decoration of the season. There was a bow on her head, with a sprig of mistletoe tucked into the knot. Only the most astute observer would notice it...
"Objections are for courts," she replied to his next statement. "I'll take any gift, any time, hour and day be damned. What is it? Can I guess? Is it socks? Chocolate? Flowers? I'd probably eat them. Hmmm... diamonds? You know I don't much care for jewelry... unless it's adorning the hilt of something long and sharp..."
Meanwhile, back on the Agamemnon...
Willard finished tying the bow around the ship's mast. He had talked to the purser into letting him have a small portion of his pay, rather than sending it straight home for his family. He had meant to purchase something for Selvis and Elliot... something to try and make up with them. But there was simply no way he could shop, not on his own, (especially not!) nor with a group. He had sat there, staring morosely at the beasts coming on and off, until he saw something that caught his eye, and made an offer with the bemused sailor.
The bow was perfect. It just managed to fit around the mast.
Willard smiled, sitting down bow-legged, and clapped his paws together. Out here in the cold, under the stars, alone with Ags...
This was the best Christmas ever!
And, back at the party...
Spender and Peskers picked over the buffet table. Peskers had more or less dragged Spender along, but not before she realized that, even here, she had to keep up appearances. She'd put on her best jack clothes, and made sure Spender at least wore his not-as-stained-as-the-others tunic. Without a dress, and without her preferred dance partner, the party easily bored her. Spender, for his part, had been bored before they had even arrived.
In between snacking, Spender stared unashamedly at the Grand Duchess. Spender's birthday was but a month away; for all intents and purposes, he was 16 years old, leaving a mere four-year gap between he and the Duchess. He felt certain stirrings as he watched her dance with the Duke—who, in Spender's opinion, looked absolutely ridiculous. Marbled polecats were hilariously dorky! But a regular polecat, now... why, that was basically just another fur pattern for a sub-species of ferret that was a bit more feral than usual... And having had her first kit already, there were certain motherly curves that had the poor young ferret entranced in ways that Peskers couldn't yet hope to achieve.
Peskers didn't like it one bit. But, for appearances sake, she, too, stared with her jaw agape, as if admiring the Duchess. (She was, in her own way: that dress was to die for.*)
At last, Peskers poked him in the ribs.
"C'mon, this is boring. Let's go outside and tunnel in the snow."
"Huh?" Spender said, snapping out of his trance. "Tunnels?"
"Cuddle-tunnels!"
"Heehee."
"Or a snowball fight. It's too stuffy in here."
"Aye."
"Let's go, then!"
And so, they made their way to the exit...
* Molly also envied the Duchess's dress, but she wouldn't so much have died for it as she would have ruthlessly murdered for it.
Miri was not the only beast Molly had dragged along. A certain orange-furred mousemaid had also been forced to come. Molly had more or less adopted the mouse, and was in the process of trying to re-integrate her into society. Of course, her beau, as Miri had put it, had swept these ideas clear out of the stoat jill's head at this time, and Tally (as was the mouse's name) was left quite alone.
Molly had bought her a dress, and the mouse fidgeted with the different bits. She'd had dresses before, but nothing with more lace than the curtains she dusted. She felt unclean and guilty, as if she had stolen the dress. It was peach, a more subdued creamy colour than her own fur, and all the ribbons and edges were white. Molly had chosen it very specifically.
Without direction, however, Tally found herself drifting until she came to a wall, which she stood against, paws clasped politely behind her back, head and eyes downcast, as if waiting on someone's dinner table. She had to fight the urge to follow the servants into the back to put new platters on the buffet.
Out of nowhere, somebeast began speaking to her. Tally panicked, freezing up. She never flinched, though. She was good at that. She glanced quickly to her side.
It was a male weasel, a year or three younger than her, sitting in a chair. The chair hadn't been there before. She glanced again—ah. It had wheels. And he had a hat on. It was a weird-looking hat. She glanced again, eyes darting just long enough to take in one more fact. It was a beret, but shaped funny. There was, for some strange reason, a pot handle sticking out the side from under the beret. Was he wearing a pot on his head, under his hat? One more glance: yes. Yes he was. And that wasn't a kilt, that was a plaid blanket across his lap. His shirt was fancy, but tucked away behind him and tied around his neck was a ragged red cloth of some sort. He clutched a dented, broken spyglass in his paws, twisting it about absent-mindedly. Tally really didn't know what to make of all this. Plus, he was speaking Calgarian.
At last, he stopped, tilting his head up at her. He spoke again.
"Do you speak Common, then?"
She nodded.
"You've got a star on your head."
She nodded.
"I had a star, once..."
Tally kept nodding, eyes wide, as the weasel launched into a grand story about planets and jars of moths and how he was some sort of prince or king or emperor. She tried to pay attention, but it was impossible. The little weasel never seemed to stop for breath. She felt like her head would fall off from nodding so much. She didn't know what else to do, however, so she endured it.
She was good at enduring things, just as she was good at listening.
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Post by Carrow on Dec 25, 2010 8:30:51 GMT -5
"The same to you, Fugate," Selvis responded cheerfully. "It's going to be a good one, I can tell - we need something like this after all the excitement of the last few weeks." Smiling warmly at Caden, the longtail patted his albino companion's paw in a comforting manner. "Good food, good company and a good lot of time to ourselves. Sounds like a recipe for success to me. What do you reckon, Carrow?"
He glanced over at the wood mouse, hoping to receive a response from him, but the distant look in his brown eyes indicated that the rodent had once again let his mind stray, albeit for the briefest of moments, to the mousemaid whose acquaintance he had made in Tunis. Selvis waved a paw in front of his friend's eyes, noting the far away look in them. Aw, he's smitten, he thought.
Carrow blinked and he looked around at his companions. "Oh! ...oh. Sorry about that, mates, had my mind on other things," he said with a nervous chuckle. "You're right though, Selvis, it certainly sounds like we're in for a good time. I also hear a certain pine marten friend of mine is rather excited about gifts being presented later," he quipped, winking slyly at Caden. "So you should be, that's all I'll say to that."
Smiling a little to himself, his eyes sparkled. The field mouse had picked out an interesting gift for his best friend. It had been on his mind on and off for the last few months, but now that the time was right he was planning to seize the opportunity with both paws.
Next, he turned his attention to Elliot, his voice sympathetic. He had been thinking the beech marten had come down with a cold, but as he learned the truth he reached out and patted his paw. That was an awful way to catch anything.
"Can't stand the smell of perfume, myself. I've never been sure why that is, but it makes me feel awful light-headed at times. Hope you feel better soon," he said gently. "There's no reason why anybeast should feel under the weather with a night like this ahead of us!" He listended to the beech marten's query, and the bashful rodent couldn't help his reaction. He blushed visibly, pretending there was a fascinating grain pattern in the wooden timbers and studying it intensely for a moment.
When he spoke, the words came rushing out fster than he could reasonably control them; that is to stay he stammered quite a lot. The flustered mouse would have to make up his mind as to that eventually, but as of yet he hadn't seen her. "W-w-well I c-can't really s-say, Elliot. I mean, I d-don't even know w-where she might be at the m-moment. H-haven't spotted a wh-whisker of her s-s-so far."
The mouse was excited to see her again, that was for sure. She didn't have a name - at least none that he wanted to call her anyway. She didn't need the tag of 'Weaselbait' anymore, not now she'd been freed from captivity, but he wasn't sure otherwise what he might call her. He'd have to give her a name then it seemed, and make sure it caught on.
Selvis smiled at his rodent friend. "Aw, don't be like that, Carrow," he said by way of encouragement, lifting the mouse's chin and fixing him with his luminous blue eyes. "Let's just see how the night goes, eh?" Carrow nodded in response, after which Selvis patted his cheek and lowered his own gaze. He was able to entrance the smaller creature with those piercing eyes of his at certain times, but he didn't want to put him under to any extent, as he saw no reason to do so. These were normal nerves Carrow was experiencing after all.
"As for me, well, even if I wanted to I'm not sure I would be able to do so," he told the group, whiskers twitching a tad as he spoke. "I don't see any jill weasels my age hereabouts, which is quite a shame of course. Not that I'd be all that great at dancing," he added modestly. "It's, er, well... something I've never really tried before, so I don't know if I should, hehe, give it a whirl here," he said softly, smiling at his pun. "I don't know about you lot, but I'm looking forward to exploring Florence, without a doubt! A place like this, at Christmas! What luck!"
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Post by Ladorak on Dec 25, 2010 12:39:47 GMT -5
"Hahah, well close on one of those, but wrong on all accounts. Guess to your heart's content, but I'm not going to present it until the right moment...perhaps after we've had a dance or two." Ladorak lifted his paws up, and ran them down both cheeks and her sleek, angular jaw. He loved feeling her winter coat with his paws...and even more so her winter coat against his own.
"And dear...I will have you behave at this court. If it were Naples or some other minor kingdom, I wouldn't mind you breaking out your rather...voracious moves, but in this court I would prefer a bit more of a tame setup...at least for awhile. Kostritz is a massive empire, and this is one of their protectorate states. The Grand Duke himself is the younger brother of the Kostritz Emperor, and I want to make a good impression on him...though that doesn't mean I won't be up for it in a little bit. You know I can't very well resist your desires to have...fun for very long." he explained.
Life to him was too short to waste on fancy dancing all the time...and he found himself wanting to try her mode of verging on the War Dance. It would be like that dull acceptance party for Frostbite back in the Imperium. Ladorak and Molly had been the only ones REALLY dancing that day, and that was the first time Ladorak had exited his comfort zone and shed his old skin so to speak.
Taking her in his arms, he held her left paw with his right, and put his left paw on her waist. Jumping a bit off his hind paws and into the crowd, the ermine began to twist and weave his way amidst the gathered beasts. "Whenever you get bored...feel free to pick up the pace. I'll try and keep up." he spoke softly to her, right in front of her ear. He would admit it might take some getting used to, but if there was ever a time to get used to anything, it was here and now...tonight. He wanted this night to be memorable, and didn't wish to stifle her in any way.
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Ocean was standing near his brother and his...well...whatever she was. Jillfriend maybe...
He could see the way Spender was regarding the Grand Duchess of Tuscany. She was attractive...but Ocean really didn't gawk at jills of other species. Quite the rude little twerp though, doing that in front of Peskers. It seemed to royally annoy Polly, who pretended to be admiring her as well. He rolled his eyes, shaking his head. His own birthday was coming up soon...he'd be 17 to Spender's 16.
The ermine lacked a real birth date, as they'd rescued him from pirates, and simply gave him a celebration on the anniversary they'd rescued him. Or taken him, whatever it was. He couldn't remember. Seige's story changed every year, and his mother hadn't been much help either.
He heard Peskers's comment about leaving the party to go tunnel in the snow. He didn't mind, though was a bit disappointed his ferret sibling was leaving the party early. "Well...have fun you two...I'm gonna keep an eye on the punch." he stated, hovering around the buffet table. He doubted anyone had gotten Spender a present anyway...except maybe his "uncle" Ladorak Fugate.
He resisted the urge to playfully clip his brother's ears to distract him from the Grand Duchess, and settled for leaning an arm on the table, looking out at the gathered assemblage.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Caden had given Spender that book in October...because Spender had given him a toy boat and the book originally, neither of which he'd asked for. He'd also given Spender some of his chocolate back then as well...and Caden really didn't consider the ferret as needing a Christmas present from him...mostly because he doubted Spender had gotten him anything. He still saw Spender as resenting and despising him.
Besides...even if they were "even"...Caden couldn't forget Spender's cruelty to him earlier in the year, nor did he want to. He was keeping a wary eye on the ferret...that was for sure. He wouldn't hesitate to beat him up if it would come down to that.
The albino regarded the ferrets...for it seemed Spender and Ralph had certainly made good friends...briefly before shifting his gaze to Weaselbait. She was over in the corner though...staying in the shadows. That young weasel kit next to her looked very familiar to him...though he couldn't remember.
Caden was wearing his "star" about his neck. It had not been damaged in his kitnapping...and he was certain that somehow...Ladorak's strength had seen him through. He truly believed a part of Ladorak was in that star...and that a part of himself was in Ladorak's, which hung about the ermine's neck.
"Hah...she's over there Carrow..." he graciously pointed out the orange furred rodent's location to him, though was assured Carrow had seen her earlier, and was merely pretending he hadn't. There was a smile on his face as he gazed at Carrow with a knowing look.
"Anyway...would you fine jacks like to exchange presents now, or later?" he asked, fine with either way. He had caught Selvis's use of calling him Fugate instead of Freemont...it was strange to him...he wasn't fully used to it yet...but he liked it better than hearing his native name.
He kept his paws folded behind his back, and looked from Elliot to Selvis and then to Carrow, wondering what they would decide on. Ladorak had a present for him too he knew...but he didn't plan on opening that one until later.
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Post by Carrow on Dec 25, 2010 17:15:06 GMT -5
More stammering from the enamoured rodent followed, his long tail rising to its full extent and the very tip curling over the top of his forehead to indicate his pleasure at his albino marten friend's revelation. "E-er... fancy that, eh? I h-havent s-seen her b-b-b-before now... I r-really haven't. She m-must be rather good at keeping herself h-h-hidden, I s-s-suppose."
Selvis patted the mouse's shoulder gently, giving him a reassuring smile. Carrow was embarrassed, but he didn't seem to be covering anything up. The weasel was sure that if he had wanted to see her, he would have sought her out right away, brough heer over and given her a proper introduction to his companions. The reclusive creature hadn't really got the chance to be acquainted with her new shipmates, but there would efinitely be time for that later,
"Th-thanks all the s-same, Caden," the wood mouse murmured softly, noting the look of slight amusement on the mustelid's features. He found the situation rather far-fetched himself, if he had to be honest (he had fallen for her as soon as he'd spotted her after all, and this wasn't all that common). "I'll s-speak with her later, and hopefully she'll want to c-come over here and spend some time with the r-rest of you. I s-should like that v-v-very much."
Selvis noted that Carrow was getting rather excited at the prospect of seeing her, so much so that he was trembling and tripping over his words. To save the mouse further exertion (as he knew that if he was kept silent he would calm down sufficiently to recover from his spell of nervous anticipation), he picked up on Caden's offer. He wasn't too fussed about when they exhanged gifts, but secretly wanted Carrow to hurry up and reveal his present, as his interest had been piqued quite a lot.
Such thoughts eventually swayed him, and he met Caden's gaze as it swept over the trio of creatures who were stood facing the pine marten. "I reckon we should do it now. In fact, if you would just give me a moment, you three, I'll pop over to that tree and fetch mine!" Without another word, he turned and strode off - and was rather surprised to find Carrow following in his wake. He ruffled the rodent's ears in his usual friendly manner. "You know what they say, mate: great minds think alike."
The duo soon had their wrapped presents in paw, and set off back towards their companions. There was a rather large smile evident on Carrow's face; was quite sure his friends were going to love the presents he'd picked out for them. Selvis, too, was very proud of what his choices had been. He looked at his mouse companion and sniffed quietly, hoping he would appreciate the very thoughtful gift chosen for him by the longtail. Selvis had made the decision to present his gifts first, but he'd hold off on Carrow until last - to make sure the moment was right.
They were soon regrouped, and it was now Selvis's turn to tremble, though he wasn't nervous about anything, simply excited. "Well then, we have ours here!" He looked at Carrow once more just to reaffirm the rodent's position on how this would be conducted, and the tense nodding from the mouse confirmed that he did indeed want the weasel to go first. So he did. Taking two parcels in paw, each separately marked - 'To Elliot McNamee'' and 'To Caden Fugate' - he pawed them over to their respective recipients. "Go on then," he encouraged the duo, "have a look at what lies within!"
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Post by bookity101 on Dec 25, 2010 23:34:01 GMT -5
Elle accepted Selvis' gift, glancing up at Caden as she began to tease the edges of the wrapping. She was one of those beasts who always opened gifts carefully, just to enjoy the simple act of opening them, not that she was being careful of the wrapping at all. Soon she had divested the package of its wrapping and was stuffing the paper into her bag as to not make a mess on the floor and trip somebeast later.
Holding up the gift, she broke into a bright smile.
"The Beginners Guide to Arabic." She laughed a little, and had to restrain herself from hugging the older beast.
"Thanks Selvis, this is going to be fun." She had to stop herself from cracking it open right then and there. She was still smiling slightly as she delved into her bag, removing the squarish package from her bag. She pawed the package to Selvis.
"Merry Christmas Selvis." She removed a smaller squarer package from the same shoulder bag and held it out to Carrow. "You too Mousey."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Miri was smiling and nodding along with an elder jaguar well, grimacing and barely jerking her head politely to the beast.
'To much more of this and I'm going to-' Her near violent thought pattern was interrupted when she heard Jal Sylver's voice from behind her. Thankfully, he hadn't seen the boring jaguar who was gunning for a blackened eye beside her.
"Jal Sylver." You would have had to have been blind not to see the relief in her eyes as her Boss came up beside her. She shrugged slightly apologetically, but not meaning it, to the feline and with out a second thought she took her Bosses arm and steered him away from the talkative cat. As soon as they were a safe distance, she removed her paw from his arm, stepping back to keep a more proper distance between the two co-workers.
"Sorry about that Jal Sylver, but you have amazing timing." She looked over her shoulder and shivered slightly. "That fellow was about to talk my ears off." Just then she processed what he had said before she so abruptly left her previous companion.
"Oh the necklace?" She touched the silver pendant that hung about her neck, shrugging. "I don't have many, but Molly does, and she offered to loan one to me." Actually Miri was only half-way telling the truch. The necklace was hers, she just didn't want to get into why someone such as she had such an expensive piece of jewelry just sitting in her travel trunk. And Molly really did offer to loan her a necklace, but Miri had declined. The simple azure blue jewel set on a silver backing was more to her taste than any of the more flashy jewelry she was almost certain the vivacious stoat femme was sure to own.
"And you're right. Balls are really not on my list of comfortable places." She grimaced and motioned to her dress, "There are so few places to hide a real weapon in these things." But she had managed. Her hair pins would double as lock pick or a bladed weapon in a pinch, and the small dagger that was attached to her ankle was all she had managed to bring. She looked semi-longingly at Monty's sword-in-a-cane. That would be perfect.*
Miri looked towards the tree, bemused at the size of it. The giant evergreen was more festive than half of the beasts in attendance, and probably took much longer to ready than even the most intricate dress at the festivities.
"Do you have any idea how long it would take to get a tree that size decorated Jal Sylver?"
-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-
Luxe was standing by the punch bowl,quite near Ocean actually. In one paw was a half-full glass of punch, he was being careful in case somebeast had spiked it, and the other was surreptitiously loosening the collar of his waistcoat. The dark brown fabric went well with his own coloring, and he had already danced with several of the foreign jills, to relieve some of the boredom of simply standing. He watched as Spender and... Ralph wasn't it?... disappeared to go play in the snow. Something he wished he could do, but alas, he was an adult, and a different standard was applied to him.
"Not going to find s pretty jill to dance with Jal Sleet?"
*I'm assuming he brought it along, if he didn't I can go back and change it.
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Post by spender on Dec 26, 2010 6:00:27 GMT -5
Spender looked at the punch bowl, then back to Ocean. "It's not goin' anywhere," he said uncertainly, as if the stoat might know something he didn't in regards to the movements of bowls full of liquid. Peskers tugged his arm again. He doffed his new blue beret at Ocean and followed along, out of the room, down the hallways to the front.
It was well-lit out here, a nice little valley of snow hidden between the building and the stairs leading out to the street. Peskers immediately began snuffling about in a corner, scooping snow behind and in front of her with her paws and nosing aside anything that looked like it might topple into her hole. Spender stood off to the side, picking his nose and looking at the sky. It was cold...
A grinchian grin began to curl about his whiskers. Spender scooped a tiny pawful of snow, balled it up, and hid it under his hat.
"Back in a minute," he called to Peskers, and charged back inside, muttering hasty excuses to the concerned guards. "Forgot somethin' inside..."
The snowball on his head froze his fur, but he trudged on, scanning the crowd at the buffet table... there! Ocean was still by the punch bowl. Which, Spender was happy to see, hadn't moved after all. Alright, now just to get close without being seen...
He could have dooked himself silly. Everything was going according to plan. Ocean hadn't spotted him yet, and he was right behind him. Spender quietly slipped his beret off, grabbing the snowball out. He hooked his claw into Ocean's collar and tugged, dumping the snow down the stoat's back.
And then he ran.
Molly sighed, her snout twisting into a dimpled pout. "I'll never understand you Captains," she said. "Trying to impress every noble you see... the Duke probably doesn't even know you, silly. He's busy with that floozy of a wife of his..."
The music was by no means slow, but even this pace was testing Molly's patience. As they whirled and glided, however, she soon found herself resting her cheek on his chest, and letting her eyes simmer shut to slits. Her footpaws moved on their own, taking no heed of her state of mind. She was, after all, in her ermine coat. If she dared try to control them, no doubt they'd do something horribly awry, like slip out from underneath her and kick someone in the back of the head. She'd already stepped on Ladorak's toes twice. She was so ditzy at this time of year that she hadn't even been able to tie her own corset...
Plus, her leg was twinging. The injury she'd sustained in Tunis hadn't been bothering her of late, but she had been careful not to exert herself. Maybe she wasn't ready for a full-on wardance just yet. ... and then again, maybe it was what she needed to set her muscles back in place.
"Mmmm... Laddy? ... don't tell the Duke I called his wife a floozy. If you do meet him, I mean."
"...and that's when I decided to let them live. I bode farewell to my new friends, those midget shrews from the moon, and promised I would return someday to give them real cheese."
Tally nodded. She had long since zoned out. There was only so much actual listening she could accomplish in one hour, and it had been worn out in the first five minutes of his story. She nodded again, even though nothing had been said.
The weasel, finding his audience to be a bit dull, wheeled himself away without another word. Though he kept smiling happily, he slouched a little. What he wouldn't give to see his friend Char again...
He returned to the tree. He liked the tree. If he could, he would climb it, all the way to the top, to get his star. He'd been promised a star like it, but it was on the tree at home, and he wasn't allowed to pull the tree over to get at it or else he wasn't allowed to wear his helmet to bed. Anyway, this star was much bigger than the one at home, and so he decided he was going to have them traded. No one here needed a star that big, after all.
As he neared the tree, Zheep stopped pushing the wheels and began pulling himself along by grasping the boughs. The branches rattled as he rolled by the presents. A sparkly bauble fell onto his lap.
"Oooh," he said, picking it up to admire it. He squinted, giggling. The way he was holding it... it looked like that beast over there had a sparkly bauble-head! How silly!
He lowered the ornament, and his eyes grew wider. That wasn't just any beast!
"Hey! Hey! Hey! Nice fluffy white marten! You're the nice fluffy white marten! I seen'd you before! Hiiiii. Look! You still have your star. See up there? That's my star. I let them put it on top of the tree so everyone can admire it 'cos my star's the best. Yours is nice, too. Hee, I seen'd alla you before. Yellow-throat weasel, beech marten, big-ears! Hee, I like your big ears. You're a nice mouse. Presents! That's nice. I have a present at home but I had to come here with my new nanny. Where's your star? None of you have stars? Here, you can have this. Don't worry I didn't lick it this time."
He leaned forward in his chair and held out the ornament, smiling hugely, completely unaware that he was interrupting the group.
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