HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[paradisamods]

All that clamor from the lion dance prancing down the halls should be enough to draw attention to the party, even without actual invitations. If not the noise, then perhaps the delicious smell wafting under every door and leading back to the ballroom.

The castle is vain, if nothing else. It has decorated the ballroom in the deepest red and brightest gold with auspicious greetings in the common language tastefully posted about the hall. May your happiness be without end, one says, while another goes May all your wishes be fulfilled. Small order, all things considered.

Round dining tables (with the turning glass part) are set up in the middle of the hall, each with about ten chairs and piles of food fit for a whole village. There are two more lion dance teams hopping about the hall and making a racket while occasionally nabbing that dumpling straight from your chopsticks. That should the least of your concerns, however, with many residents still aiming to settle their grudges before the new year.

Watch your back.

[ ooc; IC mingle log for Lunar New Year plot, feel free to make your own threads! ]

Comments

[focusrighthere]

[As a matter of fact, he does like horses. Joel gives Ezio a side-glance, the briefest of side-glances. What an obnoxious face. The more sloshed he starts to feel the more punchable it looks.

So he speaks only to Cass.]

Lived at a camp that had horses before I came here.

[In other words, yes, but he can see that the poor kid is trying damn hard to make this a conversation that is sustainable between the three of them. He doesn't see that happening anytime soon. This man (much older, this man) is her friend that she's known for a year, someone she trusts (again, inexplicable) and this is Joel exiting to make things easier for her. He prepares to turn.]

I'll catch up with you another time, okay?

[hellofist]

[Her expression brightens at the kiss because that seems harmless, it's nice, but that only lasts a moment.

Joel leaving is fair, and she expected it. Of course he'd leave to try to make things easier, whereas Ezio only seemed determined to push buttons. She frowns, but she nods all the same.]

Can talk later. Be careful, with the drinks.

[assassino]

[Ezio stays with his arms comfortably around Cass, though he does raise one hand to give a jaunty wave to Joel.]

A presto, brother.

[focusrighthere]

[To his credit, he manages to direct a parting nod to them both instead of ignoring Ezio completely in favor of Cass.

JOEL OUT.]

[hellofist]

[Cass waves too, watching as Joel passes out of their sight... before turning sharply in Ezio's arms to glare up at him

She doesn't even say anything, it's just a very, very annoyed look directed right at him.]

[assassino]

[LOOK AT HIM, HE IS THE PICTURE OF INNOCENCE.]

What?

[hellofist]

[Now she pushes his hands off of her, turning to face him completely. You're not out of the black eye woods yet mister.]

Try again. You know what.

[assassino]

[A little less innocent.]

I was just being playful.

[hellofist]

[Better.]

If you had... just hugged, would have been fine. Save playful... for less obvious times. His opinion is important, to me. His friendship is. Should have more respect, Ezio.

[assassino]

Well, then, I will be more cautious next time.

[hellofist]

You're missing the point.

[assassino]

[A shrug.]

I do not feel I have.

[hellofist]

[She's pretty sure this is a difference of cultures thing, so she's slightly more willing to explain than just deck him and leave.]

You embarrassed me. Treated me like... I'm not worth respecting, in front of someone important to me. You need to apologize.

[assassino]

[A frown. Oh.]

Well, that was not my intent. I have never met that man, so how was I to know he was important?

[But ah, well. Ezio breezes right on, reaching for her as if he can smooth if over with a hug.]

I'm sorry, bambina. I did not mean to.

[hellofist]

[She doesn't push him away, but her jaw is still tight. It shouldn't matter if he knew or not, but he means it when he apologizes. She understands the differences of their times, it's hard not to let it go at least a little when his body language reminds her, just the slightest bit, of a puppy that's been scolded.]

You won't do it again. Should consider... apologizing to Joel, another day.

[She wouldn't bet that he'd actually do it, but it's at least something he should hear.]

[assassino]

I will consider it.

[He puts his arms around her, as if he could melt her anger just by being affectionate. He's incorrigible.]

[hellofist]

[She thumps him on the chest, but not too terribly hard.]

I mean it, Ezio. If you act like this, like I'm... something to grab at, people will think that. Won't stand for it.

[assassino]

Bambina, people who believe you are something to paw at clearly do not have respect for you in the first place.

[hellofist]

You doing it... doesn't help anything.

[Finally, though, she sighs and relents. She's done as much as she can with him drunk, the rest of this will wait.]

It's a nice party, though. Had any food, to go with... all that alcohol?

[assassino]

[A mildly apologetic look, and a shrug.]

I had some.

[hellofist]

[She pats his chest now instead of smacking him around anymore, a silent acknowledgement of that look. At least he's trying.]

Let's have more. Enjoy the party some, together.

[assassino]

[That feels nicer :')]

I would be delighted to.

[hellofist]

[Be good and you get the nice things, Ezio.

And she nods, drawing away from him enough to slip her hand into his and start to lead him towards the tables of food.]