WEEK 4, MONDAY, HALLOWEEN PARTY \o/

[trettende]

[ That's right, cast members! It's Halloween! Some weird holiday Hans totally read up on that involves dressing up and eating sweets, apparently. As with his last party, Hans has slipped an invitation under your door, inviting you, yes you! To celebrate Halloween in the... third floor ballroom? Hell, Hans didn't plan for that, but if the set-up's there, he'll take it. The note doesn't quite say "It's what Hime would have wanted" but it does say "We should all stick together and try to make the best of our time with each other," so y'know. It's implied. Along with "Costumes mandatory! It's not Halloween without that."

Once you arrive at the party, what will you do? Will you enjoy some refreshments? The drinks are set out just like last time, along with some cake made by Astarte (not exactly Hime quality but a very sweet attempt,) perhaps take the chance to share some stories or show off your costume? Or maybe you'd like to check out what's going on at the tables? Looks like someone set up pumpkin carving stations Why, the possibilities are endless! ]

Comments

[dechagny]

[It's probably fake but it sounds like it has nice intentions? Nothing wrong with a holiday about thankfulness if you actually follow through.

nobody follows through]

I...see. I think. [Raoul pauses.] Part of me much prefers to begin thinking of Christmas after today is over and done with.

[tellthestory]

[The Balladeer smiles wistfully.]

Christmas does sound nice.

[dechagny]

Christmas in Paris really is a wondrous sight. And the parties for New Year's Eve are, in my opinion, just as lovely.

[A thoughtful pause, a bit of melancholy in his expression.] I do hope that...someday, I can see a Christmas in Paris again.

[tellthestory]

[The Balladeer seems intently interested.]

What's it like?

I'm combing websites for this so I hope it's all accurate

[dechagny]

Well, to begin with, our decorations usually center around the Nativity scene, rather than a Christmas tree - we have those too, though, they've become relatively popular, and they are elegant and beautiful. We also have Christmas Markets throughout the season like our neighbors, where one can purchase gifts and trinkets. Ah - and when I was a boy, I was encouraged to leave my shoes out so Pere Noel could leave gifts in them. I know now that the adults supplied the gifts, but it was still an incredible treat to wake up and find things waiting for me.

[He looks wistful, reminiscent. Yeah, if he ever had a kid, he'd totally do this stuff for them.]

pfff like I'd know

[tellthestory]

That sounds like fun. Maybe...

[His smile twists a little, and he turns back to look at the pumpkin.]

I've never really celebrated Christmas before.

[dechagny]

Wh...never? Not at all?

[Wait hold up let him ask a stupid question.]

Are you Jewish, perhaps?

[tellthestory]

No, I'm not really much of anything. Just never had the opportunity.

[dechagny]

Not even as a boy, Monsieur Balladeer?

[tellthestory]

...no. No, never.

[dechagny]

If we get the chance, that should be changed post-haste.

[tellthestory]

That would be nice.

[He smiles wistfully.]

But one way or another, I don't think we'll all be here that long.

[dechagny]

Then...if we're fortunate, we'll all celebrate Christmas somewhere together. Even if it's impossible.

[Because frankly this place was filled with a lot of terrible yet impossible things. Why not use some of that for good impossible things?]

[tellthestory]

Hmmm.

[He smiles a little.]

Maybe you'll all get to Paris yet.

[dechagny]

I am keeping my fingers crossed.

[Golden ending: giant musical Christmas party in 1880's Paris.]

[tellthestory]

You could even take them all to a real opera! Or maybe not...

[Are we sick of opera houses at this point?]

pffft omg

[dechagny]

[HAHAHAHAHAH........]

...Perhaps...in the new year, and not at Christmas. It would probably be too soon.

[tellthestory]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Ah, talking about the future.]

I've never seen an actual opera - are they fun?

[dechagny]

[You're in luck! You've asked the best authority on operas in this place - the guy who patrons one at home.]

They are lovely and enthralling experiences! I would be glad to invite you to a performance at the Opera Populaire someday, if it were possible, and...again, given enough time.

[tellthestory]

[A corner of his mouth curves a little.]

That's real nice of you. But I doubt I'll ever leave here.

[dechagny]

Why not? However this "production" might end...it shall end, Monsieur. And then you shall be free to do as you wish.

[tellthestory]

No...? Just because one show ends, that doesn't mean my employment's over.

[dechagny]

...

[Slow dawning horror in Raoul's mind right now. He's quick to stuff it down and not express it, though.]

Do you mean...you'll have yet another of these shows to put on...?

[tellthestory]

Not like this. I wouldn't agree to another one of these. But something, probably.

[dechagny]

[...That gets a small smile out of him. Raoul's glad he's sort of warmed up to you, Billydeer.]

I don't blame you for that. Though...how long do they expect you to work for them?